By Olatunbosun Obafemi
Asaba, Nigeria – Former Delta State Governor and immediate past vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has explained the rationale behind his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as one made in the best interest of the state and its people.
Dr. Okowa spoke on Monday during a grand reception organized by the national leadership of the APC to formally welcome him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other key political figures from Delta State into the ruling party.
Addressing a crowd of party faithful and dignitaries, Okowa said the decision to switch allegiance from the PDP to the APC was not taken lightly but was necessary to ensure stronger alignment with the federal government and access to national resources, which he said had eluded the state due to past political opposition.
“It is a great day for us in Delta State,” Okowa said. “When the news broke on Wednesday, April 23, that we had decided to change course, many people were surprised. But in the life of any people, there comes a time when change is necessary — and that change must be in pursuit of the common good.”
The former governor, who served two terms between 2015 and 2023, admitted that his time in office was marked by challenges stemming from the state’s opposition status at the federal level.
“I was governor for eight years without the support of the presidency. I did my best, but the state lost a lot. That experience underscored the importance of building a strong connection with Abuja — where the power, goodwill, and resources reside,” he said.
He emphasized that the decision to join the APC was not about personal ambition or political survival, but about securing strategic advantages for the state under the current leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
“As the governor works tirelessly for our people, he needs the backing of the center to maximize development efforts. After wide consultations and a critical stakeholders’ meeting, we agreed that this was the right move,” Okowa said.
The defection marks a significant shift in Delta State’s political landscape. In addition to Okowa and Governor Oborevwori, several national and state legislators have also announced their departure from the PDP to the APC, bolstering the ruling party’s presence in the South-South region.
The development is likely to have far-reaching implications for party politics in Delta and could reshape alignments ahead of future elections.
