…As Pro-Hilary Groups Intensify Mobilisation, Former Governor Receives Rousing Welcome in Mbiri
The political landscape in Delta North Senatorial District is beginning to heat up ahead of the 2027 general elections, with support groups affiliated with Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem stepping up grassroots mobilisation for the senatorial ambition of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The mobilisation is taking place across the nine local government areas that make up the district—Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani.
The groups, operating under the Dr. Hilary Ibegbulem Support Groups, are expected to use the coming months to engage voters and highlight what they describe as key achievements of the former governor during his tenure.
Among the projects being referenced are the Asaba Storm Water Drainage Scheme, the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex and the transformation of the Asaba International Airport.
The groups are also pointing to Okowa’s youth and human-capital programmes, including the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme (YAGEP), as part of the former governor’s legacy.
His administration’s establishment of three universities—University of Delta, Agbor; Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; and Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba—is similarly being presented as a major component of his educational legacy.
Support Groups Declare Alignment
The latest show of support came on Sunday, September 6, when the Ndokwa-Ukwuani for Hilary (Ika Chapter), led by Comrade Okonji Jerry, visited the residence of Dr. Hilary Obi Ibegbulem.
At the meeting, the group announced its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s second-term ambition, Okowa’s return to the Senate and APC candidates contesting the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly seats in Ika Nation.
Okonji said the group was prepared to mobilise voters at the grassroots and work towards strong electoral performance for the party.
In his response, Ibegbulem commended the delegation for its commitment and urged members to remain focused and coordinated as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
Okowa Receives Rousing Welcome in Mbiri
The mobilisation later shifted to Mbiri in Ward 12, Ika North-East, where Okowa was received by supporters, party leaders and community stakeholders.
Okowa, accompanied by Ibegbulem, used the visit to connect with residents and party members at the grassroots, in what supporters described as another indication of growing political activity within the district.
The visit also coincided with the commencement of a Councillor’s Empowerment Programme, through which support materials and resources were distributed to 200 constituents in Mbiri Ward.
Organisers said similar empowerment interventions would be extended to other communities in Ika North-East and across Delta North.
With the 2027 elections still ahead, the latest activities point to an increasingly active political contest in Delta North, as aspirants, party structures and support groups begin positioning themselves for the campaign season.
