Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has disclosed that a significant number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members were disillusioned by the choice of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election.

In a recent interview, Moro noted that while he wishes to avoid a public exchange with Okowa, his selection as vice-presidential candidate clearly caused discontent among loyal party members.

“Let me tell you that some people felt so disappointed that he was picked as the party’s vice-presidential candidate in the first place.

“We found out that there were other persons who have contributed much more to the party; persons who were more committed; persons that would have ordinarily helped the party to win the election,” Moro said

His remarks come in response to Okowa’s recent public admission of regret over accepting the vice-presidential nomination—an action Moro labeled as “unfortunate” and “uncharitable.”

In response to the former governor's comments, Moro strongly condemned Okowa, stressing that he actively pursued the role and was not pressured into accepting it.

“He was not forced, but he asked for it and he was given,” the Benue senator stated.

The fallout underscores ongoing tensions within the PDP following its defeat in the 2023 general elections, with internal criticisms emerging over the strategic choices made during the campaign.

Although Moro avoided directly criticizing Okowa, his comments reveal a growing sense of frustration within the party, with many members feeling that loyalty was misplaced and opportunities were squandered.