By Michael Ilaya
The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel Onowakpor Thomas has formally declared his intention to seek re-election to the Senate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onowakpor made the declaration at the event held at Oleh Stadium, Isoko South Local Government Council Secretariat, Oleh, where he commended the invaluable contributions of the Delta State Executive Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the support he has given to the party and the massive transformation of the state in less than three years with his ‘More Agenda’ which has now been remodified to be ‘Renewed Hope for More Agenda’ to enable him deliver more benefits to the state.
The Senator who was accompanied to the podium by Rt. Hons. Julius Pondi, Nicholas Mutu and Pst. Engr. Jonathan Ajiroghene Ukodhiko, while speaking further to the party stakeholders and faithful stated that “I hereby formally declare to seek your support for re-election to serve better in the National Assembly as a Senator to represent Delta South Senatorial District.”
“This decision is not taken lightly, it is with all sense of responsibility, we are irrevocably committed to the re-election of our President, His Excellency, Sen. Ahmed Tinubu and our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori”, Onowakpor stated
He added that “this combination is the most promising synergy for the development of Delta State, and that anything aside this is a waste of our opportunity”.
He also emphasized that his bid for re-election is driven by the conviction that he has garnered the requisite experience and strategic capacity, stating that “This work needs experience to deliver and I am better experienced to deliver and consolidate on the ongoing progress and attain sustainable development for the entire senatorial district”.
“Since assuming office in 2023 as a first timer , I have demonstrated exceptional legislative influence and strategic capacity in advancing the development priorities of Delta South Senatorial District”
Reflecting on his tenure, Onowakpor highlighted key projects and interventions undertaken across Delta South which include his successful influence of a wide range of impactful projects ranging from securing comprehensive package of over 75 high-impact projects spanning economic empowerment, infrastructure, education, health care, and agriculture.
According to him, “these initiatives reflect my dedication to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing livelihoods, and improving the quality of life for my constituents”.
He emphasized that his re-election bid is essential to sustain his upward trajectory, consolidate the gains already made, and ensure that the numerous projects budgeted for 2025 are fully executed for the benefits of Delta South, while those proposed for 2026 are fully appropriated, funded and executed.
“The people of Delta South stand to benefit immensely from this sustained leadership, which continues to place their developmental aspirations and empowerment at the centre of national budgetary priorities”
Onowakpor also acknowledged that he may have made mistakes in time past in the discharge of his duties, adding that he is ready to make amends now as a better and more experienced having come to understand his environment and gained capacity, assuring that he will considerably address the infrastructural deficit in the Senatorial District.
In his projection, the senator outlined his priorities for a second term, including expanding economic opportunities, strengthening empowerment programmes, advancing infrastructure, and enhancing education and human capital development, with the avowment that “I promise to do more work and do more better, improve more on job opportunities, if given the mandate”
In his remarks, Delta South APC Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, congratulated the senator on his declaration but noted that the party would, at the appropriate time, determine its position through democratic processes, including consensus or direct primaries.
He also commended President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for the confidence reposed in them by party members.
Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, moved a motion endorsing President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for re-election, which was seconded by Hon. Timi Tonye.
The motion was put to a voice vote by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and was overwhelmingly adopted.
Dignitaries at the event included Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Dr. Julius Pondi; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Presidential Amnesty Programme Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and Executive Director, South-South Development Commission, Dr. Timi Tonye.
Other speakers, including Chief Iduh Amadhe; Senator Stella Omu; Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay; Omatsoguwa Evans; and Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, all spoke in support of the senator’s re-election.
Also in attendance were Council Chairmen from across the district, including Bomadi Chairman, Hon. Andaye Dagidi; Burutu Chairman, Hon. Julius Takeme; Isoko South Chairman, Hon. Friday Ovoke; Patani Chairman, Hon. Isaac Aguanah; Warri North Chairman, Hon. Festus Ashima; Warri South Chairman, Hon. Isaac Agbateyiniro; and Warri South-West Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, as well as the Vice Chairman of Isoko North, Hon. Dr. Evelyn Aluta.
Members of the Delta State House of Assembly present included Hon. Bino Owhede, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Hon. Benson I Obire, Hon. Anthony Alakpala, and Hon. Edafe Emakpor, representing Uvwie Constituency.
