Regional Sentiment, Not Weak Candidates,  Favoured APC In 2023 – Okowa’s Aide

By Ayodele Oni

Former presidential running mate to candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during last general election, Ifeanyi Okowa has clarified that he never said he regretted running on the PDP ticket with Atiku Abubakar

Ifeajika, Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment, who reacted on behalf of Okowa debunked claims that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressed regret over being the vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, Ifeajika addressed what he called a misrepresentation of Okowa’s remarks during an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday.

According to him, the immediate past Governor, Okowa, never said he regretted running on the PDP ticket with Atiku Abubakar. That statement is false and misleading.”

Ifeajika previously served as Okowa’s Chief Press Secretary.

He explained that Okowa merely noted a political shift during the campaigns, as it became clear that southern Nigerians were determined to elect a president from their region.

This, Ifeajika said, influenced the strong support for Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, not because the PDP fielded weak candidates, but due to regional sentiment.

“The Obidient Movement and regional resolve significantly impacted the PDP’s performance in the South. Okowa acknowledged this but never spoke of regret.

“Despite the outcome, Okowa remained a committed member of the PDP and actively supported Atiku’s campaign.”

Responding to speculation surrounding Okowa’s recent defection to the APC and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ifeajika dismissed any link, stating that Okowa had already responded to EFCC inquiries and had not been summoned again.

Mixed reactions had trailed the earlier remarks by Okowa with some describing him as a “serial betrayer.”