Atiku Abubakar's Betrayal Feelings Unleashed over Okowa's TV Statement
Atiku's Camp Criticizes Okowa for His Remarks Regarding the 2023 Presidential Vote
In the political realm, things have taken a turn for the dramatic as Atiku Abubakar, former vice president, expresses his sense of betrayal following comments made by his 2023 presidential running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, on national television. Insiders close to Atiku and within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have shared this information with the Daily Sun.
Okowa, during a televised interview, expressed remorse over his decision to partner with Atiku for the 2023 elections. He noted that during the campaign, he encountered a general disinterest among the population in handing over the reins of power to another northerner, leaving Atiku taken aback by Okowa's statement, especially given the pressure Atiku faced to select current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as his running mate instead of Okowa.
The hubbub within Atiku's camp suggests that Okowa is using this alleged regret as a disguised, self-serving political move. They view it as an attempt to undermine Atiku and the PDP, instead promoting the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 elections, despite the PDP's past contributions to Okowa's political success.
One source iterated, "People are disgusted with this turn of events. We all agree that the party was mismanaged under Damagun, leaving it too weak to withstand defections. Regardless of the pressure Okowa faced, he should have shown more restraint. He isn't the type to spew careless words; now, he's making reckless statements on national television. If he wants to defect, let him. Don't run down the party or the candidate."
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Atiku Abubakar's reaction to Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection demonstrated a conciliatory stance, with Atiku expressing no grudge and recognizing Okowa's constitutional right to freedom of association[1][2][5]. Atiku regarded defection as a common aspect of politics, emphasizing neutrality despite Okowa’s role as his 2023 running mate[5].
Okowa’s defection dynamics showcased deep political rifts and regrets. The former Delta governor admitted regret for partnering with Atiku, citing a clash with Delta’s preference for zoning and a southern presidency[3]. His defection to the APC—in conjunction with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP leaders—represented a significant shift, ending the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Delta State[4][5].
Key factors driving the defection:- Internal PDP strife: Okowa cited the party’s national leadership crisis and its impact on future elections as motivators[5].- Regional alignment: Okowa emphasized Delta’s preference for southern leadership, implying the 2023 ticket contradicted local sentiments[3].- Strategic calculus: PDP defectors framed the move as abandoning a “sinking boat” to align with APC’s governance priorities[4].
Broader implications: The mass defection underscores the weakening PDP structures in its traditional strongholds, with potential implications for future elections in Delta and beyond[4][5].
- Despite the displeasure expressed by Atiku Abubakar due to Ifeanyi Okowa's statement, Atiku maintained a conciliatory stance, acknowledging Okowa's constitutional right to freedom of association.
- Okowa's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was characterized by deep political rifts and regrets, with the former Delta governor admitting remorse for partnering with Atiku due to a clash with Delta's preference for zoning and a southern presidency.
- Key factors driving Okowa's defection included internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta's preference for southern leadership, and a strategic calculus to align with APC's governance priorities.
- The mass defection of PDP leaders, including Okowa, Sheriff Oborevwori, and others, represents a significant shift, ending the PDP’s 26-year dominance in Delta State.
- The weakening PDP structures in its traditional strongholds, as indicated by the mass defection, could have potential implications for future elections in Delta and beyond.
- In response to the political chaos, some are calling for the South-East to connect to the center by joining the APC, while others suggest the South-East should consider supporting Atiku Abubakar in the 2027 elections.
