Refuting Misrepresentations on Okowa's Vice-Presidential Regrets: Olisa Ifeajika Speaks Out
"Atiku's Ticket Companion, Okowa, Unwavering in His Choices"
Let's clear the air regarding a recent misunderstanding about Delta State's former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and his feelings towards his vice-presidential bid under Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.
At a press conference in Asaba on Wednesday, Olisa Ifeajika, the Executive Assistant to the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, addressed the rumors stirred by a report that misconstrued Okowa's statements during an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday.
Ifeajika, who previously served as Okowa's Chief Press Secretary, made it clear that Okowa never expressed any regrets about being on that ticket or about his role as the PDP's vice-presidential candidate. Instead, he addressed the shift in support for a southern president during the campaign.
"Okowa did not say he regretted being on that ticket with Atiku Abubakar. He did not say he regretted being the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP," Ifeajika explained.
He then elaborated on Okowa's statements about the PDP's performance in Delta and beyond, highlighting that southern Nigerians had determinedly advocated for a president from their region. This, according to Ifeajika, influenced the PDP's general performance in the southern region.
Ifeajika also acknowledged the rise of the "Obident Movement" and its surprising impact on the election. He emphasized that this factor played a significant role in the PDP's performance in the region as well.
Despite these developments, Ifeajika reiterated that Okowa remained loyal to the PDP as a party man and continued to support Atiku Abubakar's campaign. The former governor's recent defection to the APC, as Ifeajika clarified, was not related to any ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Okowa has already answered the EFCC's questions, and the commission has not issued any further invitations. Ifeajika also pointed out the unique nature of Delta's PDP members jointly moving to the APC, describing it as an unprecedented act.
Lastly, Ifeajika mentioned that the relationship between former Governors James Ibori and Okowa remains cordial, despite the political shifts in the state.
In the midst of all the political whirlwind, it's essential to maintain clarity and truthfulness. Let's continue to discuss and analyze the actions of our leaders without spreading misinformation or false reports.
*** Fact Check:*** Ifeanyi Okowa did not express regret about his vice-presidential candidacy under Atiku Abubakar and his statements regarding the PDP's performance were reframed in a misleading report.
*** Insights:- *Southern Presidency Demand: The demand for a president from the southern region was a key factor in the PDP's performance during the 2023 elections.- Collective Decision Making: The defection of PDP members from Delta to the APC is a unique example of collective decision making within a political party.- EFCC Investigations: Okowa has answered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC) questions, and no further investigations were mentioned.
- Ifeajika, speaking out on the matter, clarified that Okowa did not express any regret about being on the ticket with Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections.
- The report that misconstrued Okowa's statements during an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday has stirred a misunderstanding about the Delta State's former governor.
- Ifeajika further explained that Okowa never expressed regret about being the PDP's vice-presidential candidate.
- The shift in support for a southern president during the campaign, according to Ifeajika, influenced the PDP's general performance in the southern region.
- Ifeajika also acknowledged the rise of the "Obident Movement" and its impact on the election in the region.
- Despite the political shifts, Okowa remained loyal to the PDP as a party and continued to support Atiku Abubakar's campaign.
- Okowa's recent defection to the APC, as Ifeajika clarified, was not related to any ongoing investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
- The unique nature of Delta's PDP members jointly moving to the APC, as described by Ifeajika, is an unprecedented act within the party.
- The relationship between former Governors James Ibori and Okowa remains cordial, despite the political shifts in the state, according to Ifeajika.
