A Truthful Assessment: Jacob Mark's Perspective on Ifeanyi Okowa's Shift from PDP to APC
"Okowa's Unsuccessful Effort to Secure His State for PDP in the 2023 Elections Sparks Mockery from Mark"
Former National Legal Adviser of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has denounced claims that the alleged "shark jumping" of Ifeanyi Okowa, ex-Governor of Delta State, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will cause an earthquake-like change within the opposition party.
According to Mark, this shift does not promise the much-anticipated "tsunami" in the PDP, as Okowa's inability to clinch his state for the party in the 2023 general elections as Atiku Abubakar's running mate raises doubts about his political heft.
On Arise News, Mark emphasized that while Okowa's high-profile exit from the PDP may not be celebrated universally, it ultimately lacks the potential to meaningfully affect the PDP.
"No political party will be throwing a party for the departure of a sitting government. The truth is, that's a big deal for a sitting governor to leave a political party," Mark acknowledged.
However, he pointed out that Okowa's inability to secure his home state of Delta for the PDP in 2023, in spite of being Atiku Abubakar's running mate, questions his ability to influence voters.
"The former governor of Delta State was the running mate for Atiku Abubakar, but he couldn't deliver his state to the PDP. Sometimes, these big guys have their place, but their level of control politically, and when it comes to elections, is something to question," Mark stated.
our website reveals that Mark also underscored that the people of Delta State have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to self-determine their political destiny, independent of the influence of key stakeholders or political leaders.
"The people of Delta State have consistently displayed electoral capacity to think for themselves, to make decisions that are beneficial to themselves, not the ones that stakeholders, governors, or senators might influence," Mark concluded.
He further wondered whether Okowa's transition to the APC would result in a shift in the electorate's loyalty. "It's questionable whether the people will indeed follow him," Mark added.
While acknowledging that defections are a constitutional right, Mark emphasized that understanding the motivations behind such actions remains elusive.
"It's a constitutional right for people to shift based on what interest they wish to protect. However, the reasons behind these moves are not always transparent," he stated.
Mark expressed doubts about whether defectors like Okowa seek political gain primarily for their constituents or for their personal benefit, which could include political mileage, appointments, or personal deals.
"Some people are trying to get political mileage. Others believe that by joining the APC, they can secure appointments. Some have negotiated things that are not known to the general public for themselves, not their communities," he remarked.
Lastly, Mark lamented the absence of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics, where politicians tend to switch parties for personal or strategic reasons, rather than adhering to defined ideologies.
"We're not operating based on any ideology. In my opinion, all political parties are the same. They represent no defined ideology anyone can stick to," he said.
Aside from the defection of Ifeanyi Okowa, there have been several other defections and political changes attracting attention:
- He Conducts Himself Like a Pampered Political Stakeholder - PDP Slams Wole Oke Over Defection to APC
- Tribunal Verdict: Our Witnesses Were Offered ₦30 Million to Sway Them - Ighodalo Fumes, Vows to Take Battle to Supreme Court
- Defections: 'PDP Is Merely Experiencing Rebirth, Those Who Want to Leave Should Go' - Saraki
- Fubara Speaks On Dumping PDP for APC
- Lukman Reacts to Oborevwori, Okowa's Defection to APC
- Jacob Mark, the former National Legal Adviser of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), does not believe Ifeanyi Okowa's shift from PDP to All Progressives Congress (APC) will cause a significant change within the opposition party.
- Mark points out that Okowa's inability to secure his home state of Delta for the PDP in 2023, despite being Atiku Abubakar's running mate, questions his political influence.
- According to Mark, the people of Delta State have consistently demonstrated their ability to self-determine their political destiny, independent of the influence of political leaders.
- Mark questions whether Okowa's transition to the APC will result in a shift in the electorate's loyalty.
- He acknowledges that defections are a constitutional right, but the reasons behind such actions are not always transparent.
- Mark expresses doubts about whether defectors like Okowa seek political gain primarily for their constituents or for their personal benefit.
- Mark laments the absence of ideological consistency in Nigerian politics, where politicians tend to switch parties for personal or strategic reasons, rather than adhering to defined ideologies.
