On Monday, April 28, former Delta State governor and ex-PDP vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa publicly explained why he and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). A move that has caused serious ripples within the PDP.
Speaking at an APC welcome ceremony for the defectors, Okowa said the decision was driven by the need to align Delta State with the resources and influence of the federal government in Abuja.
“When the news broke on Wednesday that we had decided to change our path, people wondered why, but one thing is very important in a people’s history: there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people,” Okowa stated.
He emphasized that the move wasn’t about personal gain but about ensuring Delta State gets its fair share of federal attention and resources.
“I was governor for eight years. I was in opposition. I did my best but we lost a lot…
There was a need to connect to Abuja—that goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that’s in Abuja of which Delta State is a large contributor,” he said.
Okowa further noted that while Governor Oborevwori has been performing well, greater success would be possible if the state is better aligned with the central government.
“He also needs to connect to the greater source of power and resource and goodwill in Abuja,” Okowa added.
The high-profile defection has sparked reactions across party lines, with speculation about its impact on PDP’s unity and APC’s growing influence in the South-South.
