Atiku Will Leave PDP, Support Tinubu – Okowa

Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has revealed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to exit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and will back President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office. Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Tuesday, Okowa said Atiku’s expected move is driven by a desire for national stability and political continuity.

Okowa, who recently defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top political figures, confirmed that he consulted with Atiku before making the move. He stated that disillusionment with the PDP’s internal crisis, leadership battles, and lack of strategic direction prompted the decision to join the APC.

He dismissed Atiku’s proposed opposition coalition as unclear and ineffective, suggesting it lacked the structure and urgency needed to make an impact ahead of the 2027 elections. Instead, Okowa declared support for Tinubu, advocating for a full eight-year term to preserve Nigeria’s political balance and ensure the presidency rotates back to the North thereafter.

“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 said.

The former governor emphasized that the defection was not a personal decision but one made collectively by Delta’s political leadership after extensive consultations. He also cited the limitations he faced as an opposition governor, arguing that aligning with the federal government is crucial for accessing development opportunities.

Reacting to criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, Okowa dismissed it outright, saying Saraki lacked the moral standing to speak, given his own history of frequent party switches.