OKOWA’S DEFECTION STIRS DEBATE AS PDP INSISTS PARTY WILL EMERGE STRONGER
Former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jacob Mark, has downplayed the political significance of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the move lacks the electoral weight to cause major tremors within the PDP.
In an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Mark described Okowa’s departure as “noteworthy, but not destabilizing,” emphasizing that the former governor’s inability to secure Delta State for the PDP during the 2023 general elections—even while serving as the vice-presidential candidate—exposes the limits of his political influence. “Let’s be honest: no political party would be thrilled about losing a sitting governor. That’s significant,” Mark acknowledged. “However, Okowa couldn’t secure his own state for the PDP. So while he may have a prominent title, his electoral influence must be examined closely.”
Mark further asserted that the electorate in Delta State is highly independent-minded and unlikely to follow politicians across party lines simply out of loyalty. “The people of Delta State have repeatedly shown that they think for themselves. Their choices reflect what benefits them, not necessarily what a governor, senator, or party leader wants,” he said.
Raising doubts about Okowa’s influence post-defection, Mark asked, “It remains uncertain if the people will follow him to the APC. That’s still up in the air.”
On the wider implications of political defections, Mark recognized the constitutional right of politicians to change parties but warned against romanticizing their motives. “People can defect to protect personal interests, and that’s their right. But let’s not pretend it’s always about performance or public approval of the APC,” he concluded.
