Okowa: Atiku’s 2023 Presidential bid ignored zoning principles



Okowa: Atiku’s 2023 Presidential Bid Ignored Zoning Principles

Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has described the 2023 presidential run by Atiku Abubakar as a disregard for zoning and power rotation, adding that he regrets agreeing to be Atiku’s running mate. Despite their joint ticket under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they lost to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a significant political shift, Okowa, Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and other PDP leaders defected to the APC last week, citing dissatisfaction with the PDP’s leadership and direction. They were welcomed into the APC by Vice President Kashim Shettima and party chairman Abdullahi Ganduje.

Okowa admitted his role in undermining the Southern Governors’ Forum’s resolution supporting power rotation to the South, a stance he later came to regret. Speaking on a TV program, he said his alignment with Atiku went against the expectations of his constituents and political allies.

Explaining his defection, Okowa blamed the PDP’s prolonged internal crises, weak leadership, and failure to prepare for the 2027 elections. He dismissed criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, pointing out Saraki’s own history of party switching.

Reflecting on the 2023 election, Okowa acknowledged that many southerners supported Tinubu and that his own campaign with Atiku cost him political goodwill in Delta. However, the PDP’s victory in the Delta governorship election showed the people’s continued faith in his leadership.

He denied speculation that his defection was meant to avoid anti-corruption investigations, saying he has nothing to hide and has cooperated with the EFCC.

Okowa also criticized the current PDP, saying it no longer reflects the values of the party he helped build. He argued that aligning with the APC will give Delta State better access to federal support and stability. He expressed support for President Tinubu to complete two terms, emphasizing national stability over regional politics.

In response, Atiku said he harbors no resentment towards the defectors, reaffirming his commitment to the PDP and the democratic right of politicians to switch parties.

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