Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas on Friday formally declared his bid for a second term in the Senate, as leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta South endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for re-election in 2027.
The declaration, held at Oleh Township Stadium, drew party leaders, federal and state lawmakers, council chairmen, political appointees and APC stakeholders from across Delta South Senatorial District.
Speaking during the constituency briefing and declaration, Senator Joel-Onowakpo said his decision to seek re-election was driven by his legislative achievements and development interventions across the district.
The lawmaker disclosed that he had sponsored eight bills in the Senate, with four already passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, while one has been signed into law and others await presidential assent.
According to him, the bills are aimed at improving the welfare of constituents and addressing key development challenges in Delta South.
Highlighting his constituency projects, the senator said more than 1,500 constituents had benefited from empowerment programmes involving the distribution of motorcycles, tricycles, sewing machines, grinding machines, refrigerators, boat engines and fertilisers.
He added that over 500 persons had also received training in agribusiness, welding, ICT, electrical maintenance and maritime-related skills, while several others secured employment opportunities and scholarships through his office.
Joel-Onowakpo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, commended President Tinubu for approving the Nigerian Maritime University, describing the institution as a major federal intervention that would boost education and economic growth in the region.
He also praised Governor Oborevwori for what he described as remarkable infrastructural development and inclusive leadership, noting that the governor’s administration has strengthened the APC in Delta State.
Admitting that he faced challenges as a first-time senator, Joel-Onowakpo appealed for understanding over possible shortcomings in his early days in office, insisting that his experience has now positioned him to offer more effective representation.
“I am now better prepared to deliver greater opportunities, more development projects and improved living conditions for our people,” he assured.
The senator reaffirmed his support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori, describing both leaders as critical to the continued growth and stability of Delta State and the country.
In his remarks, Delta South APC Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, congratulated Joel-Onowakpo on his declaration but stressed that the party would decide its eventual candidate through constitutional democratic processes, including consensus or direct primaries.
A major highlight of the event was the endorsement of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for re-election. The motion was moved by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Johnson Erijo, seconded by Hon. Timi Tonye, and subsequently adopted through a voice vote conducted by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.
Several party leaders and stakeholders, including Senator Stella Omu, Chief Iduh Amadhe, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and Olorogun Bernard Okumagba spoke in support of Joel-Onowakpo’s second-term bid.
Among dignitaries present at the event were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko; Dr. Julius Pondi; Hon. Nicholas Mutu; Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro; and Executive Director of the South-South Development Commission, Dr. Timi Tonye, alongside council chairmen and members of the Delta State House of Assembly from across the district.
