Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has shed light on the reasons behind his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his successor, associates, and supporters.
In a recent interview on Arise TV Morning Show, Okowa explained that the decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was a political one, driven by the party’s lack of preparedness to be competitive at the national level.
Coalition Not Viable for 2027 Elections
Okowa expressed doubts about the viability of the coalition being masterminded by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, citing the short period of time left before the 2027 elections. He believes that the coalition would not be able to make a formidable opposition to face the APC.
Securing Delta State’s Political Future
Okowa stated that the decision to defect to APC was made to secure the political future of Delta State. He emphasized that the move was not driven by any threats, including those from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but rather by a desire to connect Delta State to the center in Abuja and support the Southern Presidency for 8 years. “I did very well for my people as a Governor so I don’t have any fear of EFCC. They gave me an invitation and when I came back to Nigeria I went to theit office to answer the queries”. He said.
Okowa’s Vision for Delta State
By joining the APC, Okowa hopes to leverage the party’s influence at the national level to advance the interests of Delta State. His decision has sparked reactions from various quarters, with some hailing it as a bold move and others criticizing it as a betrayal.