Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), joining the wave of defections led by the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Okowa, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, confirmed his defection to ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, shortly after Governor Oborevwori’s exit from the party was announced.
The development was made public by Senator James Manager following a six-hour strategic meeting held at the Government House in Asaba. According to Manager, the decision was unanimous among top PDP stakeholders in the state.
“All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC,” he said. “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, also confirmed the shift, citing the need for a new political direction to strengthen governance and sustain development.
“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns,” Aniagwu remarked metaphorically. “The PDP has become like palm wine whose taste has changed. It’s time to change the drinking party.”
Aniagwu added that the mass defection was collectively endorsed by key PDP leaders, and a formal declaration is scheduled for Monday.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to receive both Okowa and Oborevwori during the event, marking a significant political realignment in Delta State and the wider South-South region, traditionally a PDP stronghold.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
