By Asile Abel
Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is facing a firestorm of criticism from Nigerians on social media following his high-profile defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The backlash erupted shortly after Okowa posted a video of his speech at the official defection ceremony on his verified Facebook account, where he joined current Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP stalwarts in switching allegiance to the ruling party on Monday at the Cenotaph in Asaba.
Okowa, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections alongside Atiku Abubakar, has been accused of betraying his former running mate and the PDP to shield himself from an impending Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation into allegations of N1.3 trillion fraud during his tenure as governor.
Social media users flooded his Facebook page with scathing comments, labeling his defection a self-serving move driven by fear rather than the “collective interest” he claimed motivated the decision.
Whatever decision we took was based on the common good and the need to change our path in the best interest of our state
In his speech, Okowa described the defection as a “strategic and patriotic” realignment aimed at positioning Delta State for development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“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. However, his words have been met with widespread skepticism and outrage.
One user, identified as Henry, commented, “Stop deceiving us from PDP to APC because of your self-interest. You have told us that APC is the bad party but today you’re telling us that APC is the best party. God isn’t sleeping.” Another, Matthew Chukwu, wrote, “Shameless set of people.
Trading the people for position… Okowa is being accused of misappropriating 1.3 trillion naira. He accepted to decamp to cover the case up. Sheriff is busy using Delta state money to pay Okowa’s debts. Delta is finished.”
You are shameless sir, just because EFCC want to probe you of N1.3 trillion you stole, you shamelessly went to APC, the only useless party with demonic influence that condole criminals
The allegations of financial misconduct have fueled the narrative that Okowa’s defection is a calculated attempt to evade accountability. “You are shameless sir, just because EFCC want to probe you of N1.3 trillion you stole, you shamelessly went to APC, the only useless party with demonic influence that condole criminals,” wrote Essien Titus Michael. Similarly, Joel Okoro quipped, “A shameless man.
Anyway, the fear of EFCC is the beginning of wisdom,” while Ugwu O. BlessedIsaac warned, “You go still clear yourself for the N1.3 trillion embezzlement, if not now, later.”
Not all reactions were entirely negative. Nnamdi Chidiebere Samson offered a more measured take, suggesting, “Okowa’s achievements as a former governor laid a solid foundation for development in the state.
With this defection, his vision and legacy now stand to be complemented and accelerated through stronger collaboration and support from the federal government under the APC.” However, such sentiments were drowned out by the overwhelming wave of condemnation.
Sir, your decision to jump ship is best known to you but the excuse of connecting to Abuja I see it as an obsolete excuse
Critics also questioned the logic behind Okowa’s “connect to Abuja” justification. Chikezie Chekwas wrote, “Sir, your decision to jump ship is best known to you but the excuse of connecting to Abuja I see it as an obsolete excuse. Whether the governor is in the same political platform with the President or not, it will not increase nor reduce the state allocation from federal government.”
Others, like Rientarha Gabriel Orueri, predicted a grim future, stating, “Okowa don’t be deceived, after elections you will go to Kuje Prison.”
The defection has also reignited debates about Okowa’s political loyalty and credibility.
A whole Vice Presidential candidate defecting to another party? Buy small shame make you use am rub body
“I once rooted for you and fought even my friends last election to see that you become vice president… But you just shamed yourself,” lamented Chima Uche Joshy. Isaac O. Okah added, “A whole Vice Presidential candidate defecting to another party? Buy small shame make you use am rub body.”
As the controversy unfolds, Okowa’s move has cast a shadow over Delta State’s political landscape, with some warning of electoral consequences for Governor Oborevwori in 2027. The allegations of fraud, combined with the perception of political opportunism, could also deter investor confidence in the state’s governance and economic stability. For now, Okowa remains silent in the face of the online onslaught, leaving Nigerians to speculate about his next move—and whether the EFCC probe will follow him across party lines.
Read Also: PDP Not Ready For 2027, We Joined APC to Align with Abuja-Okowa
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