By Jimoh Babatunde
Media consultant and veteran journalist, Dr Norbert Chiazor, has described former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as the favourite to win the 2027 Delta North senatorial election, citing his grassroots appeal, political experience, organisational strength and enduring relationships across Anioma.
Chiazor, a former chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, made the assessment while analysing the emerging political contest in Delta North, where Okowa, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is expected to face Engineer Victor Ochei of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), whom he identified as his major challenger.
The journalist argued that Okowa’s political profile, built over several years in public service and party politics, placed him ahead of other contenders in the race for the Senate seat.
According to him, the former governor’s influence in Anioma politics goes beyond party affiliation, drawing strength from his grassroots connections, personal relationships and historical significance in the political development of Delta State.
Chiazor, who holds a PhD in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), traced Okowa’s political standing in Anioma to a screening exercise organised by the Anioma Congress in 2014, ahead of the 2015 governorship election.
He recalled that the organisation, then led by the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Professor Chike Edozien, constituted a committee headed by respected technocrat, Chief Philip Asiodu, to assess several aspirants from Delta North seeking to become governor.
According to Chiazor, the committee identified Okowa’s personality, intelligence, depth and political experience as outstanding qualities during the exercise.
He said the process was significant because it reflected an effort by Anioma stakeholders to assess the aspirants beyond partisan considerations at a crucial period in the region’s quest to produce a governor.
Chiazor maintained that Okowa’s eventual emergence as governor and his completion of two terms in office further strengthened his place in the political history of Delta State.
He described the former governor’s emergence as the first person of Anioma origin to occupy the office as a defining milestone that continued to shape perceptions of his political relevance in the area.
Assessing the likely contest between Okowa and Ochei, Chiazor described the 2027 election as a contest of political hierarchy between two prominent sons of Anioma, insisting that the former governor possessed a greater political advantage.
“Ochei is good. Okowa is better, by far,” he declared.
He argued that Okowa’s name recognition, established political network and experience in electoral contests would be significant factors as the candidates seek the support of voters across the senatorial district.
Chiazor also identified the former governor’s grassroots connections and enduring interpersonal relationships as key elements of his political strength, saying his influence extended beyond the immediate boundaries of Delta North.
He dismissed suggestions that negative narratives or social media campaigns could substantially diminish Okowa’s political standing, maintaining that his record and established relationships remained important considerations in assessing his electoral prospects.
“No spurious stereotyping can sully his stature. No social media stunt or screaming headline can erase his standing. Okowa is the political mascot of Delta North. He leads. We listen,” Chiazor said.
He further expressed confidence in Okowa’s capacity to represent Delta North in the Senate, arguing that his experience in governance would enable him to contribute to legislative deliberations and advance the interests of his constituents.
On the contest with Ochei, Chiazor said the former governor remained his preferred choice, while acknowledging the latter as a worthy challenger.
“On the 2027 Senate seat, it is safe to bet: Okowa the winner, Ochei the fitting challenger. For Anioma people, Okowa is the reason; Ochei is the racer. One reigns; the other runs. No Victor, no vanquished. Hopefully,” he declared.
Chiazor expressed the hope that Okowa would bring his political experience, competence and temperament to bear if elected, representing Delta North with dignity while promoting the interests of Anioma people and contributing to national development.
The 2027 Delta North senatorial contest is expected to attract considerable political attention as aspirants and parties seek to consolidate their support across the district. Chiazor’s assessment, however, represents his personal political judgement of the contenders, with the eventual outcome to be determined by voters at the polls.
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