The political temperature in Delta State soared on Monday as former governor and 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, came under fire for what many Nigerians are calling a calculated political escape route—his dramatic defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okowa’s appearance at the official decamping ceremony in Asaba, where incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several top chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also defected to the APC, has ignited a storm of criticism and speculation, particularly on social media platforms.
The backlash was swift and unforgiving after Okowa uploaded a video of his speech on his verified Facebook page. In the video, he tried to justify his political somersault, claiming the move was “strategic and patriotic,” aimed at aligning Delta State with the federal government for accelerated development.
> “Whatever decision we took was based on the common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state. It was not about me. It was not about the governor, but the fact that there is the need for us to connect to Abuja,” Okowa stated.
But critics aren’t buying it.
‘A Desperate Bid to Escape EFCC Clutches’
Netizens flooded Okowa’s comments section, accusing him of defecting not out of patriotism but fear—specifically, fear of prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a staggering N1.3 trillion fraud allegation leveled against him during his tenure as governor.
One user, Henry, didn’t mince words:
> “Stop deceiving us. From PDP to APC because of your selfish interest. You told us APC is a bad party, now it’s the best? God isn’t sleeping.”
Another, Matthew Chukwu, alleged a grand cover-up:
> “To tell you that Delta is the most corrupt state in Nigeria, the first time all state apparatus are decamping. Okowa is being accused of misappropriating N1.3 trillion. He agreed to decamp to bury the case. Sheriff is paying his debts with state funds. Delta is finished.”
Some, like Chikezie Chekwas, dismissed Okowa’s ‘Abuja connection’ justification as outdated political spin:
> “Whether the governor is in the same political platform with the President or not, it won’t increase or reduce federal allocation.”
Others were more scathing, dragging the former governor’s moral standing through the mud:
> “You are shameless sir. Just because EFCC wants to probe you, you shamelessly ran to APC—the party that shelters criminals,” wrote Essien Titus Michael.
> “A whole vice-presidential candidate defecting? Buy small shame make you use am rub body,” added Isaac O. Okah.
> “The fear of EFCC is the beginning of political wisdom,” joked Joel Okoro.
“Mumu man, it will end in tears. EFCC will leave you for now but one day you will be called,” warned Charles Igben.
Yet, in a rare voice of support, Nnamdi Chidiebere Samson praised Okowa’s record and saw the defection as a strategic alignment:
> “Okowa’s achievements laid a solid foundation. His legacy can now be complemented through stronger collaboration with the federal government.”
While the APC welcomed Okowa and his cohort with open arms, the timing of the move has raised eyebrows across the country. Observers argue that his switch, coming amid calls for his investigation over monumental fraud allegations, is a classic case of ‘join the ruling party to evade justice’—a recurring theme in Nigerian politics.
Whether this gamble pays off or ends in political disgrace remains to be seen. But for now, one thing is clear: Okowa’s defection has not just rocked the PDP—it has ignited the fury of a nation tired of political impunity.
PIONEER NEWS 