By: Daure David
Reports circulating on social media and some online platforms suggesting that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been debunked as false and misleading.
In a swift reaction, sources close to the former governor dismissed the claims as the handiwork of political distractors bent on stirring confusion and uncertainty ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The story of Dr. Okowa joining APC is entirely fake,” a reliable source within Okowa’s inner circle told our reporter on the condition of anonymity. “He has not declared for any party. What he said was that ‘we are moving in a new direction’, but he never mentioned the APC or any other political party.”
The clarification comes in the wake of growing speculation surrounding the political future of the former Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election. Dr. Okowa remains a prominent stakeholder in the PDP and an influential figure in the South-South geopolitical zone.
Political observers believe that the resurgence of such rumors may be linked to strategic maneuvering by various camps ahead of 2027, with some fearing Okowa’s continued influence within the PDP and the region.
Party loyalists and supporters have also taken to various platforms to reaffirm their support for Okowa, calling on the public to disregard the baseless reports and remain focused on strengthening the PDP.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from Dr. Okowa regarding any defection or change in party affiliation.
