Jacob Mark, a former PDP national legal adviser, has denied that the opposition party will undergo a dramatic political change as a result of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Since Okowa’s failure to deliver his state for the party in the 2023 general elections as a vice-presidential candidate casts doubt on his political influence, Mark believes that his move won’t trigger the much-anticipated “tsunami” in the PDP.
Speaking on Arise News on Thursday, Mark emphasized that even though Okowa’s defection was widely publicized, it didn’t have the capacity to have a big impact on the PDP.
To be honest, no political party will be cheering the end of an incumbent administration. Therefore, leaving a political party is a major deal for a sitting governor, Mark admitted.
But he pointed out that even though Okowa was Atiku Abubakar’s running partner, his failure to win his home state of Delta for the PDP in 2023 begs the question of whether he can influence voters.
“Atiku Abubakar’s running mate, the former governor of Delta State, was unable to convince the PDP to take over his state. These huge men do have a role sometimes, but it’s important to question their degree of political power and how it affects elections, Mark said.
According to Naija News, Mark also emphasized that Delta State residents have continuously demonstrated their capacity to make their own political decisions free from the influence of influential parties or political figures.
“The electorate of Delta State has continuously demonstrated the ability to think independently and make decisions that benefit them rather than necessarily the choices of senators, governors, or stakeholders.” “We must respect the people of Delta State,” Mark stated.
He also questioned whether the electorate’s allegiance would change as a result of Okowa defecting to the APC. “It’s doubtful if the people will follow him now that he’s switched to the APC,” Mark continued.
eflecting on the broader trend of defections, Mark acknowledged that it is a constitutional right for individuals to shift political allegiance based on personal interests. However, he questioned the motivations behind such moves.
“It is a constitutional right for people to shift based on what interest they wish to protect, not necessarily because the APC as a government is performing, not necessarily because the electorate are happy,” he stated.
Mark expressed scepticism about the true reasons behind defections, noting that many politicians switch parties for personal gain, including seeking political mileage, appointments, or personal deals, rather than for the benefit of their constituents.
“Some because they want to get political mileage. Some because they think that by being in the APC they can get appointments. Some because they have negotiated some things that are not known to the general public, for themselves, not for the communities they represent,” he remarked.
The lack of intellectual coherence in Nigerian politics, where leaders regularly switch parties for tactical or personal reasons, was criticized by Mark in his closing remarks.
“No ideology serves as the foundation for our operations. All of the political parties are the same in my opinion. They stand for no clear ideology that everyone can adhere to.
One man is moving to this celebration, which is why you get up in the morning. Another man is moving to the other party the next day,” he stated.
About The Author
