I regret being Atiku’s running mate in 2023 Presidential election – Okowa

I regret being Atiku’s running mate in 2023 Presidential election – Okowa

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has admitted that his decision to serve as the vice-presidential candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election may have been a political misstep that went against the sentiments of his constituents.

In an appearance on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Monday, Okowa revealed that, upon reflection, his acceptance of the PDP vice-presidential slot did not align with the mood and expectations in Delta State at the time.

He also discussed broader political dynamics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting a growing shift of support among Delta stakeholders toward the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While defending his administration’s legacy—highlighting achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and support for maternal and child welfare—Okowa acknowledged that aligning with Atiku’s presidential bid came with a heavy political price, despite the good intentions behind his decision.

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.

“But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people,” he declared.

Okowa attributed the PDP’s loss in Delta during the presidential election to widespread sentiment in the South favoring a southern successor to President Muhammadu Buhari. He admitted that, although he accepted the vice-presidential nomination out of loyalty to the party, the regional mood was clearly against the ticket.

However, he noted that the political landscape shifted just weeks later during the governorship election, where the PDP secured victory in 21 of the state’s 25 local government areas.

“That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen.’ And they did,” he said.

On insinuations that his defection was to have his ‘sins forgiven,’ Okowa maintained that there were no sins to be given as he had not committed any, adding that he was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but only honoured an invitation by the commission.

Okowa said: “I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC.

“So, there are no fears concerning that at all. And I have never spoken to Adams Oshiomole; we talked for the first time only yesterday because we are of different political parts and because we are of different political parts we were not friends perse.”Political party merchandise

Okowa defended his decision to defect from the PDP to the APC, saying it was not driven by personal ambition but by broad consultations with stakeholders across Delta State. He argued that remaining in the opposition had limited the state’s access to federal opportunities and weakened its influence at the national level.

Responding to criticism over the morality of his defection, given his long-standing service under the PDP, Okowa stated firmly that he has no apologies to offer.

“Yes, I was a key player in the PDP from the formative stages, but the PDP of today is not the same party we built in 1998.

“When you find that the values and vision you once believed in are no longer there, then you step away,” he said.