Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has lauded the defection of former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress, calling it a “smart move” and a testament to political courage.
This is as he slammed the PDP for failing to see it coming.
Wike, speaking at a monthly media parley held Monday in Abuja, expressed surprise that the Peoples Democratic Party did not anticipate Okowa’s departure, describing the former governor as a seasoned and strategic politician.
I’m surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming,” Wike remarked. “I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them.
I said listen, the way things are going, I have warned you people. You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen.”
He further defended Okowa’s decision, insisting it was an honest and principled stance in contrast to others who play both sides.
He said he was going to support the President. That’s the crime? But the Chairman of the Board of Trustees – the conscience of the party – adopted Alex Otti for a second tenure.
Why are people not commenting about that? He adopted the governor under the Labour Party to go for a second term.”
In Wike’s view, Okowa chose clarity over duplicity. “Now this man said, look, I’m not going to do that kind of pretense. I will not be here and go and support him. Smart politician.”
The FCT Minister, known for his vocal critiques of his former party, used the opportunity to reiterate his concerns about PDP’s leadership and internal cohesion.
He continued, “If you don’t show leadership, you suffer for it. This is what I’ve been saying. When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his deputy and all his team moved out of PDP to APC. What? What wrong did he do?”
Okowa’s defection comes amid rising tensions and shifting allegiances within Nigeria’s political landscape, underscoring deeper cracks within the PDP as the 2027 elections loom.
