Former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has offered reasons for his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking during a formal reception ceremony held on Monday at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Okowa stated that the decision to join the APC was driven by a commitment to the best interests of Delta State and its people.
He emphasized that the move was aimed at fostering greater development and securing a stronger future for the state.
“People wondered why, but one thing is very important: in the history of a people there is always a time to change their path for the common good of the people, and whatever decision we took was based on that common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state,” he said.
Okowa explained that the defection was essential to strengthen Delta State’s ties with the federal government and to ensure the state fully tapped into the resources and opportunities available at the national level.
“As I did tell people that day (when I defected), it was not about me; it was not about the governor, but about the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja,” he stated.
“That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor — there was a need to connect to it.
“I was governor for eight years; I was in opposition. I did my best, but we lost a lot, and I did not believe that the governor needed to stay working very hard without the needed support. We are very supportive of Governor Sheriff because he’s doing a lot, but as the governor is doing a lot for us, he also needs to connect to the greater source of power, resources, and goodwill in Abuja. When we sat down after stakeholders’ meetings, we thought it was necessary to make this move.”
He characterized the move as a bold, strategic, and patriotic decision made with the best intentions.
Okowa also called on party members to close ranks and collaborate, emphasizing that the defection would significantly bolster the APC’s position in Delta State.
“We must defend our state. Our state stands far beyond us, and I believe that this decision is in the best interest of all. It is time for us to embrace each other — our brothers and sisters who were already in the APC and those of us that have come into the family. We need to embrace each other and work with oneness of heart.
“It is time for us to stand together in great support for Mr President and Mr Governor, because together we can truly dominate the politics in Delta State. I believe there will be no other party, with this move that we have made.”
Governor Oborevwori, former Governor Okowa, and the entire Delta State chapter of the PDP announced their defection to the APC last week.
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