I Knew Atiku And I Would Lose 2023 Election, Says Okowa

The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, has disclosed that he knew ahead of the election that he and presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar would lose the contest.

Okowa, a former Delta State governor, said his assessment of the political climate before the poll convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would emerge victorious.

He made the disclosure at a recent event in Delta State, where he recalled discussions he had with Christian leaders before the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, he had already predicted the order of the three leading parties before Nigerians went to the polls.

“I knew we would not win 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 Labour Party will come third,” Okowa said.

His prediction matched the final outcome declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The commission declared APC candidate Bola Tinubu the winner, while Atiku finished second and Labour Party candidate Peter Obi came third.

Okowa has since moved from the PDP to the ruling APC, alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the party’s structures in the state.

The former governor is also seeking the APC ticket to contest the Delta North Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general election.

His political realignment marks a major shift from his role as Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential contest.

The former vice-presidential candidate’s latest disclosure therefore offers a glimpse into his assessment of the PDP’s chances before the 2023 poll and his political direction ahead of 2027.