‘He Lacks Moral Right to Condemn Me,’ Okowa Hits Back at Saraki Over Defection Criticism

Former Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has strongly responded to comments from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who criticized Okowa’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Okowa accused Saraki of lacking the “moral right” to condemn his decision.

Okowa, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, officially joined the APC on Monday, alongside Delta State’s current governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other prominent political figures from the state. The defection ceremony took place in Asaba, the state capital, just days after news of the move broke last Wednesday.

Saraki responded to the defection, calling it “shocking and unbecoming” for a significant figure like Okowa to switch allegiance to the ruling party.

However, Okowa swiftly fired back during an interview on Arise News Channel on Tuesday, questioning Saraki’s moral authority to comment on his move, pointing out that Saraki himself had defected to the APC in 2014 before returning to the PDP in 2018.

“I didn’t expect someone like Senator Bukola Saraki to comment on my defection, especially since he has switched parties before—moving from the APC back to the PDP. He has moved back and forth, so I don’t think he has the moral right to speak about my decision,” Okowa said. “I don’t want to get into an issue with him.”

Okowa emphasized that his defection was not a personal decision but a collective one made with his political base in Delta State.

“My decision to join the APC was made jointly with my political family in Delta State,” he explained.

The former governor also addressed allegations that his defection was driven by fears of prosecution or an attempt to avoid accountability. When asked if he joined the APC to have his “sins forgiven,” Okowa dismissed the claims.

“There are no sins to be forgiven because I have not committed any sins,” he stated.

Okowa also refuted reports that he had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“I was not arrested by the EFCC,” he clarified. “A communication was sent to me when I was abroad, and upon my return, I reported to the EFCC and addressed the query. I have no fear of being investigated. I served the people of Delta State, and the majority understand the work I did for them. Petitions can be written by anyone, but the right to investigate lies with the EFCC. There is no fear on my part.”

Okowa’s defection follows a series of high-profile exits from the PDP as the party grapples with internal divisions ahead of the next electoral cycle.