Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was on the verge of dumping the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), signalling a major realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking during a live interview on Arise News Channel on Tuesday morning, monitored by our correspondent, Okowa disclosed that the 2023 PDP presidential flagbearer was preparing to exit the party amidst ongoing disenchantment with its internal crises and lack of strategic direction.
“I discussed the coalition with Atiku, who is on his way out of the PDP, before we moved to the APC,” Okowa stated, confirming growing speculation about Atiku’s future with the opposition.
Okowa, who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other key PDP stakeholders in the State, explained that the decision followed months of intense consultations and reflection on the party’s dwindling prospects.
“We had various levels of meetings with several stakeholders, and even consulted some of our leaders who are not politicians before we came to this decision,” he said. “It was not just a decision of the governor or myself. It was the consensus of a broader political family in Delta.”
He cited the PDP’s internal disarray marked by leadership tussles, lack of unity, and absence of a coherent electoral strategy as key reasons behind the mass defection.
“It does not seem that a viable vehicle has been confirmed for that coalition, nor does it appear that a coalition could build strength in such a short period,” he added, distancing himself from the proposed grand opposition alliance being spearheaded by Atiku.
The former governor also threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration, advocating for a full eight-year tenure to maintain political balance and national stability.
“For the stability of this nation, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure. Then the presidency can move back to the North. I believe that is the right thing,” Okowa said.
Drawing from his time as a two-term opposition governor, Okowa noted the limitations faced when disconnected from federal power.
“We tried to do our best in the state. We could not lay our hands on a lot of things that would have benefited us at the federal level,” he said, justifying the move to the APC as a strategic effort to “reconnect Delta State with the corridors of power in Abuja” and attract federal investment and development opportunities.
