Former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is on the verge of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party and will soon declare support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Okowa made the revelation during an interview on ARISE TV on Tuesday, stating that Atiku’s decision to exit the PDP and back President Tinubu stems from a desire to promote political continuity and national stability. He added that discussions were held with the former vice president before he and other key Delta State PDP stakeholders defected to the All Progressives Congress.
“I discussed the coalition with Atiku, who is on his way out of the PDP, before we moved to the APC,” Okowa said, confirming widespread speculations about Atiku’s likely departure from the opposition party.
Okowa distanced himself from the grand opposition coalition reportedly being led by Atiku, saying the platform lacks organisation and a sense of urgency.
“It does not seem that a viable vehicle has been confirmed for that coalition, nor does it appear that a coalition could build strength in such a short period,” he said.
Backing President Tinubu’s ambition to serve a second term, Okowa emphasised that allowing him to complete eight years in office would reinforce the principle of regional power rotation and serve the country’s best interests.
He said: “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.”
Okowa explained that the decision to leave the PDP was not personal but a collective resolution reached after extensive consultations with political and non-political leaders in Delta State. He attributed the defection to the party’s growing internal crisis, unresolved legal battles, and lack of a coherent strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We had various levels of meetings with several stakeholders, and even consulted some of our leaders who are not politicians before we came to this decision,” he stated.
“It was not just a decision of the governor or myself. It was the consensus of a broader political family in Delta.”
Reflecting on his time in office, Okowa noted the difficulties of governing from an opposition standpoint and highlighted the need for Delta State to realign with the centre.
“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 said.
He added that the move to the APC was a strategic step to reconnect Delta with the federal government for better access to national opportunities and investments.
On criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who condemned his defection, Okowa dismissed Saraki’s comments.
“Saraki has no moral right to speak. He has jumped parties several times,” he said.
