By Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has responded strongly to recent criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki over his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Okowa said Saraki lacked the “moral right” to condemn him, pointing to Saraki’s own history of party switching.
Okowa, who was PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, officially joined the APC on Monday alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other major political figures from Delta State. The ceremony was held in Asaba, days after reports of the planned defection surfaced.
Reacting to the move, Saraki had described Okowa’s defection as “shocking and unbecoming.” But speaking on Arise News on Tuesday, Okowa pushed back, saying, “I didn’t expect that somebody like Senator Bukola Saraki would be able to speak concerning me because he had also moved to APC before and eventually, he returned [to PDP].”
“He had moved to and fro. I don’t think he has a moral right to speak about my defection at all. I don’t want to join issues with him,” Okowa added. He clarified that the switch to APC was not his decision alone, but one made collectively with his political base. “My move to join the APC was a joint decision taken by my political family in Delta state,” he stated.
Addressing rumors that his defection was an attempt to avoid prosecution or investigation, Okowa denied any wrongdoing. “In the first instance, there are no sins to be forgiven because no sins were committed,” he said.
He also clarified reports about an EFCC matter, saying, “I was not arrested by the EFCC. A communication was sent to me when I was not at my place; I was overseas at that time. When I returned, I reported to the EFCC and answered the query.” He added, “I’m not afraid to be investigated. I had worked for the people of Delta State… There are no fears at all.
