Okowa: I Regret Being Atiku’s Running Mate
Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has admitted that he regrets accepting to run as vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Okowa said the decision—taken by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership at the federal level—did not reflect the feelings of the people in the southern region, particularly in Delta State.
“Even during the campaign, I could sense that our people were not in support of another northerner taking over after President Buhari,” Okowa said. “But the party had already made its decision, and I was nominated. Looking back now, I believe I should have listened to my people.”
He acknowledged that many southerners were hoping the presidency would rotate to their region, but the PDP chose to go in a different direction—one that, he believes, hurt their chances at the polls.
Okowa noted that the backlash contributed to the party’s poor performance in the presidential election in Delta, but added that PDP bounced back just weeks later during the governorship election, winning 21 out of 25 local governments.
“That showed the people still had confidence in us. They said, ‘You’ve done well, and we’ll support the governor you’ve chosen.’ And they did.”
He defended his legacy as governor, highlighting achievements like infrastructure development and free healthcare for mothers and children.
On his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okowa dismissed rumours that he switched parties to avoid corruption investigations. He clarified that he was never arrested by the EFCC and only honoured an invitation for questioning.
“I did what was right for my people. Petitions can come from anyone, but it is the EFCC that has the mandate to investigate. I have no fears,” he said.
He also denied rumours of seeking forgiveness from APC leaders like Adams Oshiomhole.
“I’ve never spoken to Adams Oshiomhole until just yesterday. We were never close, being in different political camps,” he said.
Explaining his decision to join the ruling party, Okowa said it came after wide consultations in Delta. He argued that remaining in the opposition had placed the state at a disadvantage in terms of federal influence and development opportunities.
“I don’t owe anyone an apology,” he said. “Yes, I was part of the founding members of PDP, but the party today isn’t the one we built in 1998. When the values and direction change, you move on.”
Okowa also stated that for the sake of national stability, President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete two terms.
“For the peace and unity of this country, it is better for President Tinubu to finish his eight years. Then the presidency can return to the North,” he said.
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