Delta South rekindle battle for the senatorial seat as Senator Joel‑Onowakpo Thomas and Michael Diden prepare to vie again for the All Progressives Congress’ ticket in the district, joining Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo and others in the contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Delta South senatorial district, a multi‑ethnic constituency that includes eight local government areas; Warri South, Warri North, Warri South‑West, Isoko North, Isoko South, Burutu, Bomadi and Patani, has a history of competitive politics shaped by the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic groups.
In the 2023 general elections, Delta South rekindle battle first unfolded when Joel‑Onowakpo, representing the APC, defeated PDP candidate Michael Diden, popularly known as “Ejele,” a contest later upheld by the judiciary.
As the 2027 general elections approach, both men are now set to compete again (not in opposing party colours but within the same party) as aspirants for the APC’s senatorial nomination in the upcoming primaries.
The renewed fight as Delta South rekindle battle includes:Senator Joel‑Onowakpo Thomas: Incumbent senator and chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content.
He hails from Isoko South Local Government Area and previously served as Executive Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue and State Coordinator of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Michael Diden: From Warri North Local Government Area, Diden served as Commissioner representing the Itsekiri ethnic nationality at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and as Chairman of the board of the commission.
He also served as Chairman of Warri North Local Government and was a member of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Chief Malik Itiako Ikpokpo: Two‑term Chairman of Isoko South Local Government and former Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments in Nigeria, he brings significant local government administrative experience to the contest.
Ethnic Representation and Equity DebateThe Delta South rekindle battle has revived discussions on equitable representation within the senatorial district.
Historically, the seat has alternated among representatives from different ethnic backgrounds, with Isoko and Ijaw ethnic nationalities having previously held the position.
Some political observers argue that fairness and equity should favour the Itsekiri ethnic group, which has yet to produce a senator for the district, while others insist that the Isoko group, which has had only one tenured senator before and now holds the seat, should continue.
Campaign Dynamics and Aspirant SupportWithin APC circles, all three aspirants assert confidence in their prospects as Delta South rekindle battle escalates.
Supporters of Senator Joel‑Onowakpo argue that his performance in the National Assembly; including sponsorship of bills, constituency projects and empowerment programmes, positions him as a strong candidate to carry the party ticket again.
Supporters of Michael Diden emphasise his deep connections in the district and his prior performance during the 2023 election, suggesting that his profile continues to resonate with constituents across ethnic boundaries.
Meanwhile, backers of Chief Ikpokpo highlight his leadership experience at local government and state association levels, and his articulated manifesto — the CLUE (Communication, Legislation, Unity and Empowerment) Agenda, as a compelling platform for advancing the district’s interests.
Primary Process and Party StructureAs Delta South rekindle battle, the APC in the district has yet to announce whether it will adopt direct primaries or a consensus arrangement to select its senatorial candidate.
Both approaches remain possibilities under party guidelines, and aspirants are preparing their camps accordingly.
Party leaders indicate that registered members will play a key role in whichever method is used, and that outcome expectations reflect competitive energy within the APC’s base across Delta South.
The resurgence of competition as Delta South rekindle battle carries implications for the broader 2027 general election landscape.
The district is seen as a pivotal senatorial contest that could influence party unity, grassroots mobilisation and election outcomes in Delta State.
How the APC manages its ticket process will also signal organisational strength and internal cohesion ahead of the national polls.
