Former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has faced intense backlash on social media after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP bigwigs.
Okowa, who was the 2023 PDP vice-presidential candidate, claimed his decision was motivated by the “collective interest of Delta State” and a desire to “connect” to Abuja.
However, social media users were quick to accuse him of defecting to avoid the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) probe into allegations of N1.3 trillion fraud. Many took to his official Facebook account to express their disappointment and outrage.
“Stop deceiving us from PDP to APC because of your own interest,” one user, Henry, wrote. “You have told us that APC is the bad party, but today you’re telling us that APC is the best party. God isn’t sleeping.”
Another user, Matthew Chukwu, accused Okowa of misappropriating funds and trading the people’s interests for personal gain. “Okowa is being accused of misappropriating 1.3 trillion naira. He accepted to decamp to cover the case up,” he wrote.
Other users described Okowa’s decision as “shameless” and motivated by fear of the EFCC. “Shameless man, fear of EFCC,” James Frank wrote. “The fear of EFCC is the beginning of wisdom,” Joel Okoro added.
Some users, however, expressed support for Okowa’s decision, saying it would unlock opportunities for growth and development in Delta State. “Okowa’s achievements as a former governor laid a solid foundation for development in the state,” Nnamdi Chidiebere Samson wrote. “With this defection, his vision and legacy now stand to be complemented and accelerated through stronger collaboration and support from the federal government under the APC.”
