Former Governor of Delta State and 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has responded to criticism from former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, following his recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Saraki had described the move as “unbecoming and shocking,” stating that it was unprecedented for the running mate of a major opposition party’s presidential candidate to defect to the ruling party. He added that such an action signalled a collapse of leadership values in Nigeria’s political system.
Speaking during an appearance on AriseTV, Dr. Okowa confirmed the defection, saying, “Yes, we did defect to the APC.” He stressed that the decision was a collective one taken by his political family in Delta State. “Once we take decisions together, I have to go with my political family because without that family, I have no politics to play,” he said.
Responding directly to Saraki’s criticism, Okowa noted that the former Senate President had also defected in the past and therefore lacked the moral standing to condemn his decision. “He has had movements to and fro… I don’t even think he has the moral rights to speak about my defection,” Okowa said.
He further explained that recent developments within the PDP made the party an unsuitable vehicle for future political engagement, particularly going into the 2027 general elections. He described the PDP’s current posture as uncompetitive and lacking direction.
