Former Delta State governor and ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, has offered clarity on the reasons behind his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
During the official defection event on Monday, Okowa stated that the decision wasn’t driven by personal motives but made in the collective interest of Delta State and its citizens.
The former PDP stalwart revealed that while Governor Oborevwori has been making significant efforts in his role, a lack of access to vital goodwill and financial resources prompted their realignment. According to him, this move became necessary to tap into resources and opportunities centered in the nation’s capital.
Recalling his own experience, Okowa noted that serving as an opposition governor for eight years came with challenges, particularly in accessing crucial federal support. He emphasized that such a position often hinders a state’s progress, no matter the good intentions of its leadership.
Okowa described the switch as a carefully considered, strategic step taken after wide-ranging consultations with Delta stakeholders.
“When the news broke out on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025, that we have decided to change our path, people wondered why. But one thing is very important, in the history of a people, there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people and whatever decision we took, was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state.
“As I did tell people that day, it was not about me, it was not about the Governor, but there is a need for us to connect to Abuja. That good will that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor, there was the need to connect to it.”
He went on to explain the importance of having access to federal backing, especially for a state contributing significantly to the nation’s resources.
“I was Governor for eight years, I was in opposition. I did my best but we lost a lot and I did not believe that the Governor needed to stay, working very hard and we know that we are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the Governor is doing lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power and resource and goodwill in Abuja. And when we sat down at the stakeholders meeting, we saw that it was necessary to make this move.”
Describing the defection as a courageous and forward-thinking decision, Okowa said:
“This move is bold, it is strategic, it is patriotic, and it is well-intentioned. It is in the best interest of our state and our people.”
Meanwhile, Naturenex gathered that Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, alongside APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and other high-profile dignitaries, were present in Asaba on Monday to officially receive Okowa and Oborevwori into the APC fold.
