Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, alongside his successor Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and their cabinet, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) last week.
- The move dealt a significant blow to the PDP, ending its control of Delta State, one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states, which it had governed since 1999.
- Speaking at an APC welcome ceremony, Okowa explained that the defection was motivated by a strategic need to connect Delta State more directly to the federal power and resources concentrated in Abuja.
- He emphasized that the decision was not personal but aimed at the “common good” of Deltans, noting that being in opposition cost the state valuable opportunities during his tenure as governor.
- Okowa acknowledged that despite efforts during his administration, Delta lost out because it was not aligned with the ruling party at the national level.
- He called the move “patriotic and strategic,” urging APC members in Delta to work together and strengthen the party’s dominance.
- Okowa also pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and encouraged Deltans to rally behind both Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori for the state’s progress.
