Former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has confirmed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is on his way out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa revealed that discussions about the move had taken place before his own defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), along with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP figures in Delta.
“I discussed the coalition with Atiku, who is on his way out of the PDP, before we moved to the APC,” he stated, confirming long-standing speculation about Atiku’s future in the party.
Okowa described his departure as the result of “months of consultations and disillusionment” with the PDP’s internal struggles.
According to him, unresolved legal battles, a lack of electoral direction, and widespread disunity rendered the PDP unviable for the 2027 elections.
“We had various levels of meetings with several stakeholders, and even consulted some of our leaders who are not politicians before we came to this decision,” he said.
“It was not just a decision of the governor or myself; it was the consensus of a broader political family in Delta.”
Rejects Atiku-led coalition, aligns with APC for national interest
Okowa dismissed the Atiku-led opposition coalition, saying it lacked both structure and urgency.
“It does not seem that a viable vehicle for a coalition has been confirmed, nor does it appear that a coalition could build strength in such a short period,” he noted.
Instead, he threw his support behind President Bola Tinubu, calling for him to serve a full eight-year term. “For the stability of this nation, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure. Then the presidency can move back to the North. I believe that is the right thing.”
Explaining the strategic shift to the APC, Okowa said it was necessary to reconnect Delta with “the corridors of power in Abuja” to attract federal investments.
Responding to criticism from Bukola Saraki, he retorted: “Saraki has no moral right to speak. He has jumped parties several times.”
