Former Delta State Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, has explained that his decision, along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was made in the best interest of Delta State.
Speaking at the APC welcome rally on Monday, Okowa said the move was necessary to connect Delta to the goodwill and resources available at the federal level in Abuja. He noted that while he governed the state from the opposition for eight years, Delta State lost many opportunities, adding that it was important for Governor Oborevwori to have direct access to federal support.
“When the news broke that we had decided to change our path, people wondered why,” Okowa said. “But there is always a time to change direction for the common good. It’s not about me or the governor; it’s about connecting to the greater source of power and resource.”
Governor Oborevwori also addressed the rally in Asaba, stressing that Delta State could not afford to continue in opposition, especially after almost ten years. He vowed to work for President Bola Tinubu’s reelection in 2027, citing the president’s support and goodwill toward Delta.
“Delta cannot carry last,” Oborevwori said. “Mr. President has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. We must reciprocate that love, and we cannot do it from the old party — you have to be inside to do it and do it well.”
Their defection comes amid a broader wave of political figures in Delta State moving from the PDP to the APC.