ASABA — Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is facing intense public scrutiny following explosive allegations that he funneled over ₦111 billion into the 2023 presidential campaign of Atiku Abubakar. The claims, which surfaced in late January 2026, suggest a massive diversion of state resources to secure political influence at the national level.
The Breakdown of Alleged Payments
According to reports circulating on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, Okowa reportedly admitted to several high-value transactions aimed at securing his position as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate:
- Campaign Donation: A staggering ₦100 billion was allegedly donated to the Atiku Abubakar campaign organization.
- VP Ticket Purchase: Okowa is accused of paying ₦8 billion specifically to secure the vice-presidential slot on the PDP ticket.
- Screening Committee Payout: An additional ₦3 billion was allegedly paid to the party’s screening committee to ensure clearance for himself and his successor, the current Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Logistics and the “Dollar Pickup” Claims
The allegations further claim that Okowa utilized Tony Elumelu as a “frontman” to fund Atiku’s nationwide campaign across all 36 states. Most controversially, investigators are looking into claims that Abba Atiku Abubakar, the son of the former Vice President, was personally responsible for picking up these funds in cash (dollars) from Delta State and transporting them to Abuja.
EFCC Investigation and Broader Fraud Allegations
These new revelations coincide with an ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe into Okowa’s tenure. The former governor was arrested in Port Harcourt in late 2024 regarding the alleged diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds belonging to Delta State.
Anti-graft investigators are also probing:
- ₦40 billion allegedly used to acquire an 8% equity stake in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.
- The acquisition of multiple luxury estates in Abuja and Asaba during his time in office.
While the ₦111 billion campaign funding claims remain under active investigation, political analysts suggest that these revelations may fundamentally alter the 2027 political calculations for the PDP opposition. Senator Anyanwu and other party leaders have not yet issued a formal rebuttal to these specific figures.
