Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to former governor of Delta state and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Ifeanyi Okowa defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).
NewsClick Nigeria reports that Gov Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday dumped the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC), while his predecessor, Okowa is also set to be on his way to join the APC soon.
Oborevwori succeeded Okowa as the governor of Delta after winning the 2023 election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. Since 1999, PDP has been the governing party in the oil rich state.
According to reports, both Okowa and Oborevwori will be formally received into the APC fold by Vice President Kassim Shettima on Monday.
In a statement released by Lere Olayinka, the spokesperson for the FCT minister, Wike said Okowa’s endorsement of Tinubu validates his own support for the president during the 2023 elections.
“It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country,” the statement reads.
“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train.”
The FCT minister said the timing of Okowa and Oborevwori’s endorsement is beneficial for the Niger Delta region.
“They have come out at the right time to show support for the president so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them,” Wike added.
“I commend Dr. Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heartwarming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.”
He urged other Nigerians who are yet to support the president to do so, emphasising the importance of unity and development.