“Okowa Came Into The APC Because Of Fears Of His Corruption Cases; It’s Not Because Of His Sincerity” — Senate President, Akpabio Reveals, Alleges Okowa Joined APC Over EFCC Corruption Investigation

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was driven by concerns over an ongoing corruption investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Akpabio made the allegation while discussing recent political developments in Delta State during a leaked audio conversation with Sandra Duru.

“Okowa came (into the APC) because of fears of his corruption cases; it’s not because of his sincerity,” Akpabio said.

The Senate President also claimed that Okowa was not involved in the discussions surrounding the emergence of the APC’s current national leadership, suggesting that the former governor joined the party after some key political decisions had already been reached.

“Okowa didn’t know anything about the new chairman of the party. When the new chairman of the party was coming, it was between me and the president,” he said.

Akpabio further claimed that he was instrumental in helping Okowa secure the APC ticket to contest the Delta North senatorial election in 2027.

Okowa’s movement to the APC formed part of a broader political realignment in Delta State.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, serving commissioners, local government chairpersons and several other prominent political figures previously associated with the PDP have also moved to the ruling party.

However, Okowa has publicly offered a different explanation for his decision to join the APC, saying the move was motivated by the need for Delta State to establish a stronger relationship with the Federal Government.

“It was not about me. It was not about the governor, but the fact that there is the need for us to connect to Abuja. That goodwill that is in Abuja, that resource that is in Abuja, of which Delta State is a large contributor, there was a need to connect to it,” he said.

His defection to the APC, however, has not brought the EFCC investigation involving him to an end.

The former governor was arrested by the anti-graft agency over allegations relating to approximately ₦1.3 trillion in oil derivation funds received by Delta State during his tenure.

The investigation has also reportedly examined alleged investments and assets associated with Okowa, including interests in the UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Company and other ventures within the oil and gas sector.

Okowa has denied wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.

The EFCC has maintained that political affiliation would not prevent it from pursuing an investigation where necessary. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the commission’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, had previously indicated that the matter remained under investigation.

“To the best of my knowledge, that case is still undergoing investigation. And in due course, justice will be served,” Tahir said.

Okowa served as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023 before becoming the running mate to Atiku Abubakar on the PDP presidential ticket in the 2023 general election.

The Atiku-Okowa ticket finished behind the APC ticket of Bola Tinubu, while the Labour Party’s Peter Obi placed third in the presidential contest.

Since joining the APC, Okowa has become increasingly active in the party and is seeking to contest the Delta North senatorial election under its platform in 2027.

At a recent APC gathering in Ika North-East Local Government Area, the former governor called on residents to support the ruling party and ensure that their support translates into votes for APC candidates in the next general election.

“I am overwhelmed by the large turnout of our people. I urge you to remain loyal to the APC and ensure that your support translates into votes for all our candidates in 2027,” he said.

Okowa, while reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, also disclosed that he had anticipated that the PDP would not emerge victorious even before Nigerians went to the polls.

“I knew we will not win the election,” Okowa said.

He further disclosed that he had communicated his assessment of the political landscape to Christian leaders before the election.

“And even when I met with the Christian leaders, I told them that APC will win, while PDP will come second and then LP will come third,” he added.

The latest comments attributed to Akpabio have added another layer to the political realignment taking place in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly as former PDP figures continue to reposition themselves within the ruling APC while Okowa’s political future remains tied to both his new party platform and the ongoing EFCC investigation.