Okowa Never Regretted Being on Joint Ticket with Atiku – Aide

Former Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has denied reports suggesting that he regretted his position as the Vice Presidential candidate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections. Okowa’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, made this clarification during a press conference in Asaba on Wednesday.

Ifeajika responded to a report circulating after Okowa’s interview with Arise Television on Tuesday, stating that the former governor never expressed regret about being on the ticket with Atiku. He emphasized that the report misrepresented Okowa’s comments. According to Ifeajika, anyone who listened to the interview would attest that Okowa did not make such a statement.

During the interview, Okowa was asked about the performance of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta, where it was anticipated that his candidacy would help secure a win. Okowa explained that the outcome of the election reflected a broader desire among southern Nigerians for a president from the southern region. He acknowledged that while the PDP had strong candidates, the people of the South had made it clear that they wanted a president from their region, which led to the success of candidates like Senator Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi.

Ifeajika further explained that the lack of significant votes for the PDP in the South was largely due to the rise of the “Obident Movement,” which was propelled by the Labour Party and caught many by surprise. He stated that this movement captured the people’s sentiment and demonstrated the need for a better understanding of their desires.

Despite the challenges, Ifeajika reiterated that Okowa, as a loyal party member, never considered backing out of the PDP. He highlighted that Okowa was selected as Atiku’s running mate due to his qualifications and commitment to the party. Even though there was a strong push for power to shift to the South, the PDP national leadership kept the door open for all candidates, leading to Atiku and Okowa’s nomination.

Ifeajika also addressed rumors regarding Okowa’s potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that these claims were not related to any investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Ifeajika, Okowa had already addressed any concerns raised by the EFCC, and there had been no further inquiries.

In addition, Ifeajika discussed the recent developments within the PDP, acknowledging that the party was facing significant challenges at the national level. He noted that the decision by the Delta PDP to align with Okowa’s leadership was made unanimously by all stakeholders, reflecting a collective effort to address the party’s issues. He concluded by emphasizing the ongoing cordial relationship between Okowa and former Governor Chief James Ibori, despite the political shifts.