Ifeanyi Okowa, the former vice presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State, have both defended their decision to leave the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the formal defection to the APC on Monday, Okowa clarified that the choice was made in the best interests of Delta State and its citizens, not for personal reasons.
He explained that Oborevwori’s choice to leave the PDP for the APC was ultimately influenced by the fact that, in spite of his good deeds, he was not receiving enough money and goodwill.
The former PDP leader noted that he spent eight years as an opposition governor as well, so he is aware of the challenges that come with holding such a post.
He went on to say that the defection is a daring and calculated decision that was made following discussions with Delta State stakeholders.
People questioned why when it was announced on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, that we had chosen to alter our course. The fact that there is always a time in a people’s history to alter their course for the benefit of all is crucial, and every choice we made was founded on this principle as well as the necessity of altering our course for the benefit 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.
“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.
“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,” Okowa submitted during the welcoming ceremony held in Asaba.
Naija News reports that the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, led other APC dignitaries, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and State Governors, to officially welcome Okowa and Oborevwori to the APC on Monday.
About The Author
