Agbor meeting sparks grassroots call for change across Delta North

In markets, youth meetings, and village squares across Delta North Senatorial District, conversations are growing louder about who should represent the people in 2027.

Many young residents say the time has come to move away from what they call “the usual names” and give others a chance to lead.

At a recent community-focused gathering in Agbor, Ika South local Government Area of Delta State, youth groups under the auspices of Coalition of Delta North Youths (CDNY) said their position reflected feedback everyday, from people—traders, students, artisans and local workers—who feel left out of the political space.

“We are not just speaking as leaders, we are speaking what we hear daily,” the coalition said, noting that discussions in local communities increasingly centre on fairness and inclusion.

At the meeting, a growing conversation about leadership, opportunity and the future of Delta North took centre stage as the coalition publicly opposed any planned senatorial bid by former Governor Ifeanyi  Okowa for Delta North Senatorial District seat.

Speaking during a news conference after their meeting, representatives of the group said their position was driven by concerns many young people across the district have been raising about political representation, accountability and inclusiveness.

The event brought together youth leaders from the nine local government areas of Delta North, including Kingsley Kainebi, Ofochi Benjamin, Caleb Ndukwe, Promise Okpuzor, Ifeoma Nwanne, Marvin Osakwe, Usue Azubuike Ruldolf, Blessing Mokwunye, and Nkeonyeasua Isaiah.

According to the coalition, its position is not tied to any political party or individual, but reflects what it describes as the mood in communities across the district.

Among the issues raised were reports of investigations involving Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the former governor.

The group said such developments had heightened public concern about accountability and stressed that allegations of financial misconduct involving public officials should be handled openly and transparently through the judicial system.

The youth also expressed worry over what they described as the concentration of political opportunities within a small circle of individuals and families.

They cited reports suggesting that Senator Okowa and a member of his family may both be seeking elective offices, arguing that more people across Delta North should be given the chance to serve.

The coalition says the district needs greater political rotation and more room for first-time entrants and emerging leaders.

It noted that Okowa had occupied several public offices over the past 35 years, including positions in local government, Delta State executive, National Assembly, and as governor from 2015 to 2023.

According to the group, widening access to leadership positions will strengthen democracy and better reflect the diversity of Delta North communities.

The coalition called on political parties and stakeholders, including leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), to ensure candidate selection processes are transparent, fair and competitive.

The coalition advised anyone seeking public office to present clear records of integrity and commitment to public service.

It said it would continue to pursue lawful and peaceful civic engagement to promote its position and encourage broader participation in politics.

The coalition appealed to civil society organisations, community leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts aimed at deepening accountability and democratic governance in Delta North.

The development comes only a few days after Senator  Okowa formally declared his intention to return to the National Assembly by seeking Delta North senatorial seat in the 2027 general election under APC.

Okowa made the declaration at his home in Asaba after a high-powered delegation of political leaders from Delta North, popularly known as Anioma, visited to urge him to join the race.

The delegation was led by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, and included former and serving members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, and influential political stakeholders from the district’s nine local governments.