Groups Writes PDP National Chairman To Call Ex-Gov. Okowa TO Order

A significant rift has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State as senior party members have accused former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of undermining the current administration. This development has sparked a public outcry and threatens to destabilize the party’s cohesion ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the PDP leadership, long-time party loyalists expressed their appreciation for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s role in securing the governorship for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2023 General Elections. However, they lamented that Okowa’s actions since leaving office have been counterproductive.

The letter, signed by Mr. Najite Ayerirue, Coordinator, Mr. Clem Preye Omare, Secretary, and Mr. Ewomazino Olomu, P.R.O, alleged that Okowa has engaged in “clandestine activities” aimed at undermining Governor Oborevwori. The signatories claimed that Okowa’s influence over the selection of members of the Executive Council was disproportionate, with nominations from all 25 Local Government Councils reflecting his continued hold over state affairs.

Further accusations were made regarding the upcoming local government elections. The letter stated that Okowa has imposed his cronies as candidates, thereby dictating terms not only to the Executive Governor but also to the electorate, an act they described as reminiscent of dictatorial tendencies.

The letter also recalled Okowa’s controversial actions prior to the 2023 General Elections, where he allegedly disregarded a consensus among South South PDP Governors to zone the Presidency to the South. This, they argued, led to internal divisions within the party and the defection of key stakeholders to the opposition, contributing to the PDP’s loss in the Presidential Elections.

The signatories criticized Okowa for disrespecting former governors from Delta Central and Delta South by interfering in the selection of chairmanship candidates from these regions, describing his actions as “disrespectful, abnormal, and insulting.”

They further accused Okowa of treating Governor Oborevwori as a puppet, undermining his authority and the collective leadership of the PDP in Delta State.

The letter concluded with a stern warning to Okowa to cease his alleged manipulative practices and focus on his political ambitions, particularly his purported plans to unseat Senator Ned Nwoko in 2027. The signatories vowed to resist any attempts by Okowa to turn Delta State into his personal domain.

The unfolding drama highlights significant internal conflicts within the PDP in Delta State, raising concerns about the party’s unity and effectiveness in governance and upcoming electoral contests.