Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has openly admitted he regrets accepting the role of running mate to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV, Okowa revealed that his decision came despite noticeable resistance from his people, who were opposed to another northerner assuming the presidency after Muhammadu Buhari.
He explained, “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power. But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party (PDP) and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people.”
Okowa’s remarks followed his recent defection from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, the move was driven by his commitment to the interests of Delta State and the need to align with the central government to secure more opportunities and resources for his people.
Reacting to the development, Atiku Abubakar maintained he harboured no resentment towards those choosing to leave the PDP. In a statement last Friday, the former vice president noted, “As someone who holds fast to these values, I bear no grudges against anyone for exercising their right to political alignment. Defections, alliances, and realignments are part and parcel of democratic politics. We’ve seen them before, and we’ll see them again.”
Atiku further emphasized that the focus ahead of the 2027 elections should not be about political parties but rather the welfare of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the present administration’s failings. “Let us be clear: the coming political battle is not APC versus PDP, or LP versus APC. It is Nigerians versus an administration that has plunged the nation into untold suffering. The economy is in freefall,” he declared.
