Ifeanyi Okowa, former Delta State governor, has admitted that his decision to contest as vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election may have conflicted with the prevailing mood in Delta State.
During an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa reflected on the internal dynamics of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), shifts in political loyalty within the state, and the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) among Delta stakeholders.
He acknowledged that accepting the vice-presidential nomination came with a heavy political cost, especially as many in the South expressed a preference for the presidency to shift away from the North.
“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 said.
Okowa defended his administration’s performance, highlighting achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and governance. He also praised the continued progress under his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Despite setbacks in the presidential election, where the PDP lost ground in Delta, Okowa pointed to the party’s success in the subsequent governorship poll as evidence of enduring public support. The PDP won 21 out of 25 local government areas in that election, a result he interpreted as validation of his leadership and legacy.
Addressing speculation around his recent political moves, Okowa dismissed suggestions that they were motivated by a desire for protection or favour, stating that he had never been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He clarified that any interactions with the EFCC were in response to formal invitations, not as a result of wrongdoing.
“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,” he said.
