Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has formally entered the race for a Senate seat in the 2027 general elections, amid renewed denials of allegations involving a purported N1.3 trillion missing from state coffers.
Okowa’s former Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, addressed journalists on Tuesday in Asaba, dismissing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
His remarks come in response to accusations circulating in some quarters, including from a youth group within the state.
Ifeajika cautioned political actors against resorting to what he described as “thuggery, falsehoods, and personal attacks,” urging opponents to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than misinformation.
According to him, a comprehensive account of the state’s finances during Okowa’s eight-year tenure had already been made public in 2024.
He insisted that no funds were missing.
“As far as we are concerned, by the statement we issued in 2024, no N1.3 trillion is missing anywhere.
“A total of N2.65 trillion accrued to the state within the eight years Okowa served as governor, and we clearly explained how those funds were utilised, ” he said.
He also addressed reports concerning Okowa’s interaction with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2024.
Ifeajika clarified that the former governor was neither arrested nor detained.
“We were all aware of the situation in 2024 when Senator Okowa, who was then outside the country, received an invitation from the EFCC over certain allegations.
“Upon his return, he honoured the invitation in Port Harcourt as a law-abiding citizen.
“First, he was not arrested. He voluntarily responded to the EFCC’s invitation, was not detained, and after addressing the issues in a single day, he returned to Asaba,” he added.
Ifeajika emphasised that a statement released after Okowa’s meeting with the anti-graft agency provided a detailed breakdown of state revenues and expenditures.
He noted that, two years later, no individual or organisation had successfully challenged those figures.
“For two years now, no one has come forward to dispute the facts we presented or to say that Senator Okowa misled the public,” he said.
Describing calls for Okowa’s prosecution as “misplaced,” Ifeajika maintained that it would be the responsibility of the EFCC to act if any wrongdoing had been established.
“If there was any culpability, the EFCC knows its duty. People should not politicize every issue,” he stated.
On the recent political realignment in the State, Ifeajika rejected suggestions that the movement of Okowa and other political leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was intended to shield the former governor from investigation.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations across party structures, from top leadership to grassroots members.
“The move from PDP to APC was the result of wide consultations involving the governor, former leaders, and stakeholders at all levels.
“Events unfolding within the PDP today have justified the concerns that informed that decision.
“The switch was not about protecting anyone or evading scrutiny,” he added.
Highlighting Okowa’s achievements in office, Ifeajika pointed to the introduction of a contributory health insurance scheme in Delta State.
The initiative, he said, allowed residents to access healthcare services with an annual premium of N7,000.
Despite ongoing criticisms, Ifeajika disclosed that Okowa had accepted calls from leaders and stakeholders in Delta North Senatorial District to contest the Senate seat in 2027.
“After consultations across the nine local government areas in Delta North, Senator Okowa has answered the call to return to the Senate.
“He has completed and submitted his nomination forms to the APC, ” he said.
Ifeajika, who now serves as Executive Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment, Projects, and Policies, also commended the current administration’s performance.
“Governor Oborevwori is delivering on his mandate and advancing governance in the state.
“Critics are free to raise issues, but on the matter of the alleged N1.3 trillion or healthcare delivery, their claims have not held, ” he said.
