Former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu completing two full terms in office, urging Nigerians to back the administration through 2031 to ensure national stability and continuity.

In a recent interview, Okowa confirmed his decision to leave the PDP and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He explained that this move was part of a broader agreement among Delta State’s political leadership to align the state more closely with the federal government for better access to resources and opportunities.

Okowa highlighted that the political leadership in Delta, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, arrived at this decision after thorough consultations. He stressed the importance of connecting with the federal government to ensure the state benefits from national development and resources.

He further stated, “We are one political family in Delta, and after consultations with key stakeholders—including those outside politics—we realized it was time to move forward. Remaining in opposition limited what we could achieve for our people, and the best option was to join the APC.”

Okowa also reflected on his time as an opposition governor, acknowledging the difficulties of attracting federal support for development. “I know firsthand how challenging it is to secure federal investment when you’re not part of the ruling party. This decision is about securing a better future for Delta State,” he said.

Okowa expressed concerns about the state of the PDP, describing it as disorganized and unprepared for the 2027 elections due to internal conflicts and unresolved leadership issues. “There are too many internal issues in the PDP, from leadership confusion to ongoing court cases. We did not believe the party was ready for the upcoming elections,” he remarked.

He also noted that Delta State had been excluded from federal opportunities while in opposition, which hindered the state’s growth despite his efforts as governor.

Responding to criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who questioned the morality of his defection, Okowa dismissed the remarks, pointing out Saraki’s own history of switching parties. “Senator Saraki has no moral standing to criticize my decision. He has moved across party lines multiple times. This is about the future of Delta State, not personal politics,” Okowa stated.

Okowa’s support for President Tinubu and his decision to switch allegiance to the APC marks a significant shift in South-South politics. As a prominent figure who was once aligned with the PDP, his defection weakens the opposition while bolstering the ruling APC’s influence in the region.

Political analysts view this move as a strategic effort by Delta leaders to maintain their political relevance and secure federal resources ahead of the 2027 elections.