Okowa elucidates APC defection: “Best Interest of Delta State”

Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has provided insight into the recent defection of himself, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other PDP members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at a ceremony held at the Cenotaph in Asaba on Monday, Okowa emphasized that the decision was made in the “best interest of Delta State and its people.”

Okowa acknowledged that their move had raised questions, but stressed that it was a strategic choice made after careful consideration. “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 explained.

The former governor stated that the primary reason for the defection was to ensure that Delta State could effectively connect with the federal government and benefit from the resources and goodwill available in Abuja.

“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,” Okowa said. “

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.”

Okowa highlighted his own experience as governor in opposition, stating that while he did his best, the state missed out on significant opportunities.

He expressed his support for Governor Oborevwori, who he believes needs the necessary support from the federal level.

“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 said.

He described the move as “bold, strategic, patriotic, and well-intentioned,” and urged APC members to unite and work together to strengthen the party in Delta State.

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“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,” Okowa said.

“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,” he concluded.

Last week, Governor Oborevwori, Okowa, and all other PDP members in Delta State announced their defection to the APC.