SARAKI SLAMS OKOWA’S DEFECTION TO APC, URGES PDP TO REBUILD AS STRONG OPPOSITION. (PHOTO)

 Saraki Slams Okowa’s Defection to APC, Urges PDP to Rebuild as Strong Opposition

Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed shock and disappointment over the defection of Ifeanyi Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 vice-presidential candidate and former Delta State governor, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Okowa, alongside current Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, and other top state officials, switched allegiance to the APC on Monday, a move Saraki described as “unbecoming and unprecedented.”

In a statement, Saraki, a former Kwara State governor, criticized Okowa’s defection, arguing that it reflects a “collapse of leadership values” and should not be justified by claims of external pressure. “It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity,” he said, emphasizing the need to strengthen institutions over individuals. Okowa’s selection as running mate to PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in 2023 had previously caused friction, sidelining FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who had expected the role.

Despite the defections, Saraki remained optimistic about the PDP’s prospects, asserting that even with only 10 governors, the party is well-positioned to win future elections. He urged PDP leaders contemplating defection to leave now, allowing loyal members to focus on rebuilding the party into a formidable opposition. “Those who want to leave the PDP should go now and let the rest of us concentrate on refocusing it to provide a better alternative for Nigerians,” he said.

Saraki stressed the importance of a vibrant opposition to sustain Nigeria’s democracy, warning that a one-party state would be detrimental to the country’s multi-ethnic and diverse society. “A one-party state, as some are disingenuously designing, will not augur well for a highly diversified society like ours,” he cautioned. He called on PDP members to view the party’s challenges as a “rebirth” and remain committed to strengthening it.

Rejecting calls to blame the APC, Saraki urged PDP members to seize the moment and ignore distractions. “The sustenance of democracy is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said, encouraging supporters not to be discouraged by the Delta defections. “Twenty-four hours is a long time in politics, and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve. We should stay strong and focus on making our party better.”