The Delta North Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has explained the reasons behind his decision to return to the Senate, crediting the collective appeal of party leaders and grassroots stakeholders across the district for inspiring his ambition.
Okowa spoke on Sunday at the inauguration of the Ekwueme Political Movement (EPM), held at the APC Secretariat in Boji Boji Owa, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. The event was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
The former governor also expressed appreciation to APC ward chairmen and other stakeholders for endorsing his senatorial aspiration, pledging to remain accessible to the people and continue to provide a strong voice for Delta North if elected.
He described the formation of the Ekwueme Political Movement as a demonstration of the party’s collective determination to consolidate its grassroots structure and secure victory for APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
According to Okowa, the initiative emerged from a shared resolve among party leaders across the 78 wards in Delta North to intensify mobilisation and take the campaign directly to the people through door-to-door engagement.
He said the confidence reposed in him by the ward chairmen and party stakeholders was a major factor in his decision to seek a return to the National Assembly.
“A politician must continue to look out for others; it is better that we win together and work together. I thank all of you, and I am proud to be a patron of this movement,” Okowa said.
He urged support groups and political pressure organisations to register with the party and work collectively towards its electoral success, stressing the importance of grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.
“All support and pressure groups must register and work for the party. On the day of elections, you send a message to those who are contesting with your voters’ cards; go out to campaign so that our votes can speak loudly,” he added.
Reaffirming his commitment to effective representation, the APC candidate declared that his voice would not be silenced and promised to maintain close contact with his constituents if returned to the Senate.
“My voice cannot be silenced. I am happy that you have resolved to send me back to the Senate; I will remain accessible to you all,” he stated.
### Onyeme Charges EPM On Grassroots Mobilisation
Earlier, while inaugurating the movement, Deputy Governor Onyeme said the Ekwueme Political Movement was established to consolidate the achievements of the APC-led governments and strengthen the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
He described the APC as a party with demonstrable achievements to present to voters, urging members to build on existing structures and communicate the administration’s record to the electorate.
Onyeme highlighted the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, citing initiatives under the expanded M.O.R.E Agenda as evidence of the government’s commitment to development.
He listed infrastructure development, local government autonomy, education, healthcare and civil service welfare among the areas in which the administrations had recorded progress.
### Leaders Back Okowa’s Senatorial Ambition
Other political leaders at the event, including Hon. Charles Emetulu, who represents Ndokwa West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, and Hon. Pascal Adigwe, expressed support for Okowa’s senatorial ambition.
They said the decision by Delta North stakeholders to rally behind the former governor reflected their confidence in his capacity to represent the district at the National Assembly.
The founder of the Ekwueme Political Movement, Evangelist Moses Kamaya, said the group would mobilise support for all APC candidates contesting the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to strengthening the party’s presence at the grassroots and working towards electoral victory across the state.
Dignitaries at the inauguration included the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Chris Osakwe.
