The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars and credentials of candidates nominated by political parties for the 2027 general elections, giving Nigerians the opportunity to examine the backgrounds, qualifications and eligibility of those seeking elective offices across the country.
Among the notable candidates whose profiles were displayed are former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who is contesting for the Delta North Senatorial seat on the platform of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Barr. Victor Onyekachi Ochei, who is contesting for the same seat under the platform of a new political party.
Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa was born on July 8, 1959, and hails from Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. A trained medical doctor, he graduated from the University of Ibadan with a degree in Medicine and Surgery before venturing into public service and politics.
Although he is widely associated with Asaba, the Delta State capital, where he has spent much of his political career and public life, his ancestral home remains Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area.
Over the years, Okowa has held several strategic public offices, including Commissioner for Agriculture, Commissioner for Water Resources, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District between 2011 and 2015, and Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023. He was also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election before later defecting to the APC.
In a major political upset during the APC Delta North Senatorial primary election, Okowa secured the party’s senatorial ticket after defeating incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, positioning himself as the APC flag bearer for the Delta North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.
His emergence has reshaped the political landscape in Delta North, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in the state.
Barr. Victor Onyekachi Ochei was born on February 25, 1969, in Kano State and traces his roots to Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
A lawyer, businessman and seasoned politician, Ochei previously studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin before furthering his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), legal studies and executive leadership programmes at internationally renowned institutions.
He began his political career as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Aniocha North Constituency and later became Speaker of the House in 2011, earning recognition as one of the youngest presiding officers of the state legislature.
Beyond politics, Ochei is known for his philanthropic activities through the Victor Ochei Foundation, which has supported initiatives in education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Following political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, Ochei accepted the senatorial ticket of a newly formed political party after the party’s leadership unanimously adopted him as its consensus candidate for the Delta North Senatorial District.
His emergence has set up a keen contest against Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the APC in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election for the Delta North Senate seat.
With Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa carrying the APC banner and Barr. Victor Ochei flying the flag of his new political party, the Delta North Senatorial District is expected to witness one of the most competitive elections in Delta State during the 2027 general elections.
Political analysts believe the contest will attract significant national attention given the stature, political experience and influence of both candidates, each of whom commands substantial grassroots support across the district.
INEC’s publication of candidates’ credentials forms part of the electoral process aimed at promoting transparency and accountability. The display enables members of the public to scrutinise the educational qualifications, personal particulars and other credentials of candidates in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
The exercise also provides an opportunity for eligible persons to raise objections where necessary within the timeframe stipulated by law.
As campaigns gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the battle for the Delta North Senatorial seat between Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa of the APC and Barr. Victor Onyekachi Ochei is expected to remain one of the defining political contests in Delta State.
