Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro has alleged that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s selection as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election contributed to Atiku’s defeat.
Moro’s comments followed Okowa’s recent statement expressing regret for accepting the vice-presidential nomination. Okowa, along with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP members, recently defected to the APC.
Moro described Okowa’s regret as “uncharitable,” arguing that Okowa willingly sought the position and should accept the consequences.
He noted that Okowa’s nomination had already caused discontent within the PDP.
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“Some people were of the opinion that there were others who had contributed more to the success of the party, who were more committed and would have helped the party win the election rather than pick him,” Moro stated.
He emphasized that Okowa’s political career, from senator to governor, was built on the PDP platform, making his current stance seem ungrateful. “It’s unfortunate today that at his level, having been a senator and governor before on the platform of the PDP, I think it’s uncharitable for him to be expressing regret about being the party’s running mate. He was not forced. He asked for it, and he was given.”
Moro suggested that the PDP might have won the election with a different vice-presidential candidate from the South, indicating an “error of judgment” in Okowa’s selection.
He also criticized Okowa’s failure to secure Delta State for the PDP during the election, highlighting the opposition’s gains in the region.
“How else will you characterise this scenario—that a sitting governor, a former senator, and vice-presidential candidate couldn’t deliver his state, even to the presidential candidate?” Moro questioned.
Regarding the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections, Moro acknowledged the unpredictability of politics but expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.
He pointed to recent efforts by the PDP leadership to rebuild the party, despite defections.
“Just about 72 hours ago, the chairmen of the PDP in the 36 states and the FCT met and reaffirmed their commitment to mobilising and galvanising support for the party, especially in light of what has happened in Delta State,” he said.
Moro asserted that the PDP still holds significant loyalty across Nigeria and that dedicated members are committed to rebuilding the party.
“The PDP remains an integrated political brand that cuts across all segments of Nigerian society. It will not be easily broken,” he concluded.
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