Former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed regret over his decision to serve as the running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), admitting that it was against the wishes of his constituents.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Okowa acknowledged that many people in Delta State and across the southern region were uncomfortable with the prospect of another northern presidency following President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight years in office.
“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.
“In retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people,” he said.
According to Okowa, the PDP’s poor performance in Delta State during the presidential vote—where Labour Party candidate Peter Obi secured over 341,000 votes compared to the PDP’s 161,600—was a direct reflection of that dissatisfaction.
However, he noted that the PDP’s subsequent victory in the state’s governorship election illustrated continued local support.
“That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me,” Okowa stated.
The former governor also addressed his recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasising that the move followed thorough consultations and was not motivated by any attempt to evade anti-corruption investigations.
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“Petitions can be written by anybody… there are no fears concerning that at all,” he said.
Okowa argued that remaining in opposition politics had curtailed Delta State’s access to federal influence and developmental support, a situation he aims to address through his new political alignment.
