The people of Ndokwa ethnic nationality on Saturday adopted President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as their presidential, governorship, and senatorial candidates for the 2027 general elections.
Also adopted as candidates were Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Chief Princewill Olie, Hon. Emeka Osamuta, and Hon. Chukwudi Dafe.
While President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori were adopted to return to their positions for a second term in office, Sen. Okowa was adopted as the Delta North Senatorial candidate of the APC.
Hon. Ezechi was also adopted as the candidate for the House of Representatives to represent the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency for a second term, while Hon. Osamuta, Hon. Dafe, and Chief Olie were endorsed as the House of Assembly candidates for the Ndokwa East, Ukwuani, and Ndokwa West constituencies, respectively.
The endorsements took place at an interactive engagement organized by the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU) between the Ndokwa people and Sen. Okowa on Saturday.
At the event, which took place in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, speakers, including the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D.; Rear Admiral Mike Onah (rtd.), OON; leaders of various communities; and women leaders stated that it was important to vote for all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections to ensure a seamless relationship among elected officials and enable the people to enjoy the full dividends of democracy.
“The APC is the ruling party at the federal level, and we must position our people to benefit from the opportunities available through political participation and effective representation.
“It is good that our people have resolved to support the reforms and programmes that will strengthen our country, while continuing to advocate for the interests of our people.
“I urge all of you to remain united, continue to support our party, the APC, and support our candidates without exception.
“Let us continue to work together; let us continue to support one another; let us continue to build on the progress we have made and ensure that Ndokwa receives the attention, representation, and development that our people deserve.
“With unity, commitment, and the grace of God, we shall succeed.
“I can see that many of our people have accompanied our leader, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to this important occasion, I am particularly pleased to see so many of our brothers and sisters here.
“It is important to note that our leader, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has been a great inspiration to our people, and I say this without fear or favour,” the Deputy Governor said while reeling out former Governor Okowa’s achievements for the Ndokwa people.
Some of these achievements include ensuring that Ndokwa people hold key political appointments, as well as the construction of roads and bridges, among other projects.
Also speaking, Rear Admiral Onah said that Sen. Okowa was well known by the people and that the generality of the Ndokwa people belongs to the APC, which will translate into massive votes for all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
“Ndokwa people will not play second fiddle in politics, we will remain in mainstream politics, which will be achieved by our people voting 100 percent for all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections,” he said.
Others who spoke at the occasion, including Professor Julie Nwabogo Umukoro and Community Development Committee chairmen from various communities, gave reasons why the Ndokwa people will vote for APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier, Sen. Dr. Okowa, thanked the NNU for organizing the interactive session and used the occasion to highlight his ongoing efforts and past achievements for the Ndokwa people during his tenure as Governor of Delta State.
He said, “whatever we have been able to achieve, we give God the glory; it is only by His grace that we have come this far.
“Today, I seek your support to become a voice that will be recognized in the National Assembly. I, therefore, urge you, and sincerely pray, that you will support me.
“I ask you to mobilize support for me and for our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates; but beyond your support, I also ask that you hold me accountable when I am in office.
“I do not make promises that I cannot keep; I do not lie to people, that is not part of me.
“What I want to establish is a strong connection between our people, our leaders, our communities, and myself as your representative; through that connection, we can communicate your needs effectively, engage the appropriate authorities, and work together to find solutions to the challenges confronting our people.
“By the grace of God, we shall collectively deliver meaningful development to our people.
“Let me once again thank the President-General and members of the council; I sincerely appreciate all our leaders who are here today, and most especially, I appreciate and thank our traditional rulers for their continued support, wisdom, and leadership.
“I also appreciate our women and our youth; I urge you to continue to educate and mobilize our people; let them understand the importance of effective representation and the need for us to work together as one people.
“I stand before you seeking the opportunity to provide effective representation for our people in the Red Chamber, the Senate; with your support, by the grace of God, we shall work together, speak with one voice, and pursue greater development for Ndokwa and our people. May God bless you all.”
The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Chief Amechi Asugwuni, said in his speech: “We acknowledge the decision of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to seek election to the Senate.
“As a union, we recognize the importance of effective representation that understands the aspirations, concerns, and developmental needs of our people.
“The power of partnership is one of the most important themes of today’s gathering; progress can only be achieved when leaders and the people work together, communicate openly, and remain accountable to one another.
“We, therefore, encourage all members of the Ndokwa Neku Union to remain united, peaceful, and committed to the democratic process; let us engage constructively, participate responsibly, and ensure that the interests and aspirations of Ndokwa remain central to our discussions.”
Attendees at the ceremony included Chief Goodwill Obielum, Barr. Sam Osasa, Gen. Mike Ndubisi, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Pastor Chuks Agidigbo, traditional rulers, among others.
