Ohanaeze Ndigbo Backs Senator Ned Nwoko as Delta North’s Preferred Candidate for 2027 Senate Seat
By Austin Oyibode
Asaba/Nigeria: Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo community, has thrown its full support behind Senator Ned Nwoko as the preferred candidate for the Delta North Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
In an official statement released on April 24, 2025, and signed by its National Spokesman, Chief Thompson Ohia, the group lauded Senator Nwoko for his consistent advocacy for the creation of Anioma State and his commitment to advancing Igbo cultural heritage. Ohanaeze described Nwoko as a “true advocate for the Igbo agenda” and a “steadfast champion” for Anioma State, underscoring his significant contributions to the socio-political development of the region.
“Senator Nwoko has been unwavering in his push for Anioma State, a cause that is not merely political but a heartfelt reflection of the legitimate aspirations of the Anioma people,” the statement read. The organization expressed hope that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would act on this historical injustice by supporting the statehood initiative before the 2027 elections, which would galvanize Igbo support for the administration.
The statement also took aim at former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, urging him to support Nwoko’s candidacy instead of seeking the Senate seat himself. Ohanaeze warned that Okowa’s potential candidacy, especially after his failed vice-presidential bid, could be perceived as a political step backward and out of sync with the aspirations of the Anioma people.
The group criticized Okowa for his perceived lack of engagement with significant Igbo initiatives during his time as governor from 2015 to 2023, stating that his avoidance of key Igbo programs raised doubts about his commitment to the collective welfare of the Igbo nation.
Ohanaeze quoted Igbo leader Omenazu Jackson’s words: “A leader becomes a monumental suspect if his aspirations and conduct are antithetical to the people he claims to lead,” highlighting the importance of aligning political actions with community interests.
The forum also declared that there would be “no vacancy” for the Delta North Senatorial seat in 2027, reaffirming the group’s firm support for Nwoko’s re-election. Ohanaeze vowed to ensure that the Anioma people and the broader Igbo community would rally behind Nwoko in the upcoming elections, positioning him as the unchallenged candidate for the Senate.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on all Anioma people to unite behind Senator Nwoko, a leader whose unwavering commitment to the Igbo cause represents the future of the region. The group also reaffirmed its commitment to vetting political officeholders in Igbo land, signaling an end to what it described as “third eleven representations.”
In conclusion, Ohanaeze expressed confidence that Senator Nwoko’s leadership would continue to steer the Anioma people toward a brighter, more united future, marking a significant milestone in the quest for true representation and justice for the Igbo nation.
