“I Regret Running With Atiku in 2023 Presidential Election” – Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa Opens Up
In a rare and candid reflection on Nigeria’s political history, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has publicly admitted that he regrets contesting as the vice-presidential running mate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections.
This revelation, coming more than a year after the highly contentious presidential race, has sparked widespread discussion across political circles and media platforms nationwide.
Why Okowa Chose to Speak Out Now
Speaking during a recent interview, Okowa expressed deep personal and political disappointment over the outcome of the 2023 elections. As the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Okowa joined forces with Atiku Abubakar in an effort to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, their bid was unsuccessful, with Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC emerging victorious.
Reflecting on the experience, Okowa stated:
“In hindsight, I wish I had made a different decision. It was not an easy campaign, and I truly believed we were fighting for the future of Nigeria. But certain things didn’t go as planned.”
Though he didn’t delve into all the details, his comments hint at internal struggles within the PDP and strategic miscalculations that may have cost them the presidency.
Cracks Within the PDP?
Political analysts believe Okowa’s public regret signals deeper rifts within the Peoples Democratic Party, especially regarding how the 2023 campaign was managed. Leading up to the elections, there were reports of disunity, unresolved zoning debates, and a failure to reconcile aggrieved factions—including the influential G5 governors, who distanced themselves from Atiku’s campaign.
Okowa, a two-term governor known for his calm demeanor and development-focused leadership in Delta State, was chosen by Atiku to balance the ticket and consolidate support in the South-South region. However, the move failed to translate into nationwide political gains, with the PDP losing crucial strongholds.
A Lesson for 2027?
With the 2027 elections gradually approaching, Okowa’s comments may serve as a wake-up call for the opposition. Analysts argue that if the PDP intends to remain a relevant force in Nigerian politics, it must address its internal divisions, rebuild trust among party stakeholders, and prioritize grassroots mobilization.
Okowa’s regret also reflects the growing sentiment among many Nigerians who believe that the opposition underestimated the political machinery and strategic planning of the APC, led by President Tinubu.
Final Thoughts
Former Governor Okowa’s admission is not just a personal reflection—it’s a bold political statement. In Nigerian politics, public expressions of regret by high-ranking leaders are rare. His honesty could reshape conversations ahead of the next elections, possibly inspiring more transparency within the country’s political class.
As 2027 draws nearer, the key question remains: Will the PDP learn from its 2023 missteps, or will history repeat itself?
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