ASABA — Tension is mounting within the camp of former Delta State Governor and erstwhile PDP Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, following revelations that he was denied the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial ticket for Delta North.
Emerging reports indicate that the APC National Working Committee (NWC) has handed over the Delta North senatorial ticket to the incumbent, Senator Ned Nwoko, instead.
According to sources close to the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the APC leadership blocked Okowa’s bid due to his unresolved investigations with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the role he played during the 2023 general elections
Recall that the NWC had reportedly warned the former governor against contesting, but he went ahead to purchase the expression of interest forms regardless.
The contrast between the candidates has become stark as the public awaits the official publication of the NWC choice
While Senator Ede Dafenone has already issued an official statement thanking his supporters and the party after securing his nomination, Okowa’s camp remains in limbo, despite his followers believe of getting the ticket
Public opinions suggest the ticket denial follows the EFCC’s recent move to reopen its investigation into an alleged ₦1.3 trillion financial scandal linked to his eight years administration.
While the former governor downplayed his recent visit to the anti-graft agency—claiming he only went to the Lagos office to recover his international passport for medical travel—public skepticism remains high.
Citizens across Delta State continue to question why Okowa would approach the Lagos office to retrieve a passport that was originally confiscated by the EFCC’s Port Harcourt zonal branch.
