By Olayinka Owolabi
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, Sir Festus Ahon, has provided insight into the recent defection of his principal, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other key stakeholders in the state into the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In a move that surprised many Nigerians, governor Oborevwori, his deputy, Monday Onyeme, former vice presidential candidate of PDP, Ifeanyi Okowa, along with other top Delta state government officials, defected from the PDP to the APC on Wednesday.
Speaking on the programme “Awa Government” on Wazobia FM, Ahon while explaining the recent move of the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and other political leaders in the state from PDP, said the primary reason for the defection of Governor Oborevwori and other Delta PDP members to the APC was the leadership crisis currently plaguing the PDP at the national level.
He explained that every political ideology requires a veritable platform to manifest, and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
According to him, the crisis in PDP could greatly hinder the PDP’s chances in future elections.
“Everybody in the country know that the PDP at the national level is in crisis. As of today, there are two individuals claiming the position of National Secretary. You can’t imagine going into an election with such confusion, who will sign the nomination forms? Who will organize the party primaries? We cannot mortgage our political future to the interests of such individuals,” he said.
Asked about the benefits of the political decision to align with the rulling party, he said “with our current position in the APC, we expect increased federal presence in the state in terms of infrastructures and appointments.”
“As of today, the APC is the party that can help us achieve those goals, which is why we are now in the APC,” he added.
“The DNA of Delta used to be PDP, but as of today, it is APC.”
Addressing claims that former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa defected to the APC to avoid prosecution over alleged corruption during his time in office, Ahon dismissed the accusations as baseless and political witch hunt.
“The allegations against Okowa are untrue. In politics, you’ll always find enemies and blackmailers. That petition was the handiwork of mischief-makers,” he said.
“Okowa is not a fraudulent person and has no inclination toward fraud. I won’t preempt the EFCC’s investigation, but I’m confident he did not commit any fraud and will be cleared.”
The CPS also allayed the fear of possible leadership crisis in the state, and the politics of 2027 elections, Ahon emphasized that Governor Oborevwori is currently focused on governance and delivering on his mandate.
“As of today, our focus is on developing the state and improving the lives of our people. When the time for politics comes, we will engage in it. But for now, we are concentrating on governance,” he added.
The governor’s spokesperson assured Deltans of more development, peace, and security for the state.
