Former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has defended his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in response to Senator Bukola Saraki’s criticism. Okowa, along with key political figures in Delta State, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other appointees, officially switched to the APC on Monday, marking a significant political shift in the state.

Senator Saraki, a former Senate President and influential member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condemned Okowa's defection, calling it a sign of the political decline in Nigeria. Saraki referred to the move as “unprecedented” and an indication of a deeper leadership crisis.

“It’s shocking and unbecoming,” Saraki said. “It’s simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity,” he added, noting Okowa’s former role as the PDP’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections.

However, Okowa rejected Saraki's criticism during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday. He questioned Saraki’s right to comment, pointing out that Saraki himself had previously switched from the PDP to the APC and then returned.

"I did not expect someone like Senator Bukola Saraki to comment on my defection because he knows that he himself had moved to the APC before and later returned. So, he has switched parties multiple times," Okowa explained. "Therefore, I don’t think he has the moral authority to speak on my decision."

Okowa further clarified that the decision to join the APC was a collective one made by the political leadership in Delta State, driven by concerns over the ongoing crisis within the PDP. According to him, recent developments and communications from the PDP leadership suggested the party was no longer a viable option for Delta State, especially with the 2027 elections approaching.

“There have been several issues within the party. As stakeholders, we assessed the situation and concluded that the PDP is not the right political vehicle for us to continue with, especially with the 2027 elections ahead,” Okowa stated.

The former governor also highlighted the PDP governors’ rejection of a proposed coalition, suggesting that the opposition party is not prepared for serious competition in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the defection was a joint decision made by leaders in the state who recognized the need for change.

As Nigeria’s political scene continues to evolve, Okowa’s defection to the APC is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 elections. Further defections and political realignments are anticipated, while the ongoing leadership challenges within the PDP will likely remain a central issue in the months leading up to the next election cycle.