…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the outgoing Governor of Delta State and vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has made a statement regarding the impact of Peter Obi’s departure from the PDP on the party’s presidential prospects.
PDP’s Strategy to Counter APC’s Electoral Strength
Okowa revealed that the PDP had strategized to present a northern presidential candidate with a southern running mate in order to counter the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its potential for gaining significant votes in the 2023 elections.
Obi’s Entry and Its Consequences
However, the entry of Peter Obi into the race for the PDP’s presidential ticket introduced regional and religious sentiments.
Ultimately, Obi’s decision to leave the party and join the Labour Party impacted the PDP’s votes.
Governor Okowa’s Assessment
In a conversation with journalists in Asaba, Governor Okowa emphasized that if Peter Obi had not left the PDP, a northern candidate would have had a higher chance of succeeding President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Importance of Regional Balance
Okowa explained that the PDP’s belief was that having a northern presidential candidate and a southern vice president would enhance their chances of victory, considering that they were not the majority party.
Religious Sentiments and Vote Loss
The Governor highlighted that Obi’s emergence from the southeast and the associated Christian sentiments significantly impacted the PDP’s vote share, ultimately contributing to their loss in the elections.
Conclusion
Governor Okowa’s remarks shed light on the internal dynamics within the PDP and how the departure of Peter Obi influenced the party’s presidential prospects.
The regional and religious sentiments that arose from these developments played a significant role in the outcome of the elections.