Senator Ifeanyi Okowa denies allegations of missing $1.3 trillion, prepares to run for Senate in 2027

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta State, has dismissed allegations of missing funds amounting to 1.3 trillion naira, affirming his readiness to contest for a Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.

Former Okowa Chief Press Officer, Olisa Ifeajika, addressed the claims at a press conference in Asaba on May 5, 2026. She was responding to allegations raised by a youth group in the state over the alleged disappearance of $1.3 trillion.

Ifeajika has strongly rejected the allegations, urging the public to avoid engaging in politics based on lies, insults and violence. He clarified that the total revenue received by the state during Okowa’s eight-year tenure amounted to N2.65 trillion, all properly accounted for.

“In 2024, during Okowa’s holiday abroad, he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to face charges. Upon his return, he promptly reported to the EFCC in Port Harcourt, where he responded to the charges,” Ifeajika said. He stressed that Okowa was never arrested or detained and that the EFCC had no evidence to support the charges.

Ifeajika referred to a statement released in 2024, which gave a detailed account of the state’s financial transactions under Okowa’s leadership. He noted that the statement has not been challenged in the two years since his release, further affirming Okowa’s innocence.

He also criticized those who had suggested Okowa was involved in financial misconduct, calling such calls for prison sentences “shameful”. If the allegations were true, he stressed, the EFCC would have intervened.

Ifeajika also addressed the political switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), refuting claims that it was an attempt to shield Okowa from prosecution. “The move to the APC was a result of consultations with key stakeholders in Delta State, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The implosion within the PDP that we predicted has occurred,” he explained.

On Okowa’s future political plans, Ifeajika confirmed that the former governor has heeded the call of Delta North leaders and is ready to run for Senate in 2027. He also praised Okowa’s legacy, especially his introduction of a health insurance system that allows citizens to access healthcare for as little as N7,000 per annum.

Ifeajika commended the current administration of Governor Oborevwori for its achievements in governance, highlighting continued progress in various sectors. He concluded by saying that critics have failed to present any substantial evidence against Okowa or the state’s policies.