Former Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed regret over his decision to run as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, acknowledging that it contradicted the zoning sentiments and political expectations of his people in Delta State.

Speaking during an interview on television, Okowa admitted that aligning with Atiku — a northern candidate — was at odds with the political mood in the South at the time.

“Even during the campaign, I realised that our people were not interested in seeing another northerner assume power. But the decision had already been made by the party at the federal level, and I was nominated,” he said. “In retrospect, I believe I should have aligned with the will of my people.”

The former Delta governor also responded strongly to criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki over his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“I did not expect someone like Senator Bukola Saraki to criticise me, especially considering he has moved between the APC and PDP himself. He lacks the moral authority to question my political choices,” Okowa asserted.

Justifying his defection, Okowa said the decision was not made in isolation but was a consensus reached by key political stakeholders in Delta State. According to him, unresolved internal crises and the lack of strategic direction in the PDP made continued affiliation untenable.

“Several issues have plagued the party for months. Though I do not wish to exchange words, our leaders in Delta State carefully reviewed recent events and communications from the PDP’s national leadership. It became clear that the party is no longer a viable political platform for us,” he said.

He also cited the PDP governors’ reluctance to forge alliances and the ongoing leadership turmoil as further evidence that the party is not equipped for effective political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.