Former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has publicly defended his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacks the readiness and cohesion required to compete effectively in the 2027 general elections.
In a revealing interview on Tuesday, Okowa disclosed that his decision to switch parties was influenced by extensive consultations with his Delta State political family and a sober assessment of the PDP’s dwindling fortunes. He further claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s presidential flagbearer in the last election, is also preparing to exit the party.
“The PDP does not appear to be a proper political vehicle for us to continue with,” Okowa stated. “After carefully evaluating the party’s internal crises, including leadership tussles and unresolved court cases, it became clear that we couldn’t effectively compete in 2027 under the current circumstances.”
The former governor’s defection last week alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other key PDP stakeholders has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape. Okowa dismissed criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, questioning Saraki’s moral authority to comment given his own past defection to the APC.
Okowa revealed he had informed Atiku about his impending move, stating: “I communicated with him about our stakeholders’ meeting and how its outcome would determine our next steps. From our discussions, it’s evident he’s also on his way out of the PDP—a fact many Nigerians already know.”
The defection has intensified scrutiny of the PDP’s future, with Okowa citing the party’s reluctance to pursue alliances or coalitions as particularly concerning. “When a party isn’t open to strategic partnerships, how does it hope to win national elections?” he questioned.
Political analysts suggest Okowa’s move and revelations about Atiku’s potential exit could trigger further defections from the PDP, potentially reshaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the next election cycle. The PDP has yet to officially respond to these claims, but party insiders acknowledge growing concerns about its direction.
As the 2027 elections approach, Okowa’s defection and subsequent statements have ignited fresh debates about political realignments, with the APC appearing to consolidate its position while opposition forces grapple with internal divisions. The coming months are likely to prove decisive for Nigeria’s political parties as they position themselves for the next electoral battle.
