KEY POINTS

• Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said his defection to APC was motivated by the need for Delta State to access greater federal opportunities.

• He emphasized that the decision followed wide consultations and was made in the collective interest of the state’s development, not personal ambition.

• The APC structure in Delta State is now under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s control, reshaping political dynamics ahead of future elections.

Former Delta State Governor and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, has defended his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting the move was rooted in the economic interest of Delta State rather than personal ambition.

Speaking on Monday at a well-attended rally in Asaba, Okowa described his switch to the ruling party as a “strategic, patriotic, and necessary realignment” for the collective good of the people.

“Today, obviously, is a great day for us in Delta State,” Okowa said while addressing thousands of cheering supporters. “When news broke that we had decided to change our path, many questioned our motives. But there comes a time in the life of a people when changing course is necessary for their collective advancement.”

Okowa, who governed Delta for two terms under the PDP, emphasized that remaining outside the central government limited the state’s access to federal goodwill and resources, even though Delta is a major contributor to the national economy. He explained that during his tenure, the opposition status hampered efforts to maximize the state’s development potential.

“I was governor for eight years in the opposition. I did my best, but Delta State lost a lot in terms of opportunities,” he reflected. “There is a wealth of goodwill and resources in Abuja, and it became clear that Delta must align to fully benefit.”

Consultations and new political calculations

According to SaharaReporters, Okowa disclosed that the decision to defect to the APC was not taken lightly. He said it followed extensive consultations with PDP leaders at the state and grassroots levels.

He emphasized that the move, though bold, was “not about me or the governor” but rather a calculated step to better position Delta State within Nigeria’s evolving political dynamics.

“This move is bold, strategic, and well-intentioned,” he affirmed. “Our decision was cascaded through consultations across the local governments and wards. It is ultimately in the best interest of our state.”

Okowa also lauded the leadership qualities of the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, who has also joined the APC, assuring supporters that the future is bright under the new political arrangement. “We trust you. We believe in you. And we believe in the decision we have collectively taken,” he said, directing his words at the governor.

He urged Deltans to unite behind President Bola Tinubu’s administration and Governor Oborevwori to ensure the state reaps the benefits of strategic national alignment. “It is time for us to stand together in great support of Mr President and Mr Governor. Together, we can truly dominate the politics of Delta State,” Okowa declared.

Meanwhile, the shift is already altering Delta’s political landscape. On Sunday, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed that the APC’s political structure in Delta State is now firmly under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership. Analysts predict that this development could significantly impact political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The realignment marks one of the most significant political developments in the region since 1999 and is expected to spark further debate about loyalty, governance, and state-federal relations across the South-South geopolitical zone.