Former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is preparing to leave the PDP.
Okowa made the disclosure on Tuesday during an interview with ARISE News, just days after formalising his own defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Atiku is on his way out of the PDP,” Okowa stated, revealing that he consulted with Atiku before making his move to the APC.
Coalition Talks ‘Lack Clarity’ — Okowa
Addressing the emerging coalition of opposition parties reportedly spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar, Okowa dismissed the initiative as lacking direction and urgency.
“It does not seem that a viable vehicle for a coalition has been confirmed, nor does it appear that a coalition could build strength in such a short period,” he said.
Okowa’s comments come amid speculations surrounding the potential alignment of opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Supports Second Term for President Tinubu
In a notable political shift, Okowa declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to complete a second term, citing national unity and the principle of rotational presidency.
“For the stability of this nation, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure. Then the presidency can move back to the North. I believe that is the right thing,” he said.
Defection ‘Not a Personal Decision’
Okowa emphasized that his switch to the APC was not made in isolation, but followed wide-ranging consultations with political stakeholders and community leaders in Delta State.
“We had various levels of meetings with stakeholders, and even consulted some of our leaders who are not politicians before we came to this decision,” he explained.
“Though we tried to do our best in the state, we could not lay our hands on a lot of things that would have benefited us at the federal level,” he added, referencing missed federal opportunities while in the opposition.
Okowa’s statements are expected to further shape the evolving political dynamics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, particularly amid speculation over Atiku’s next political move.
