…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, has disclosed that his strained relationship with his former principal and predecessor, James Ibori, stems from political reasons.
The disagreement between Okowa and Ibori emerged during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election in the state last year.
Divided Support in the Governorship Race
During the primary, Okowa endorsed Sheriff Oborevwori, the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, as his preferred successor, while Ibori backed David Edevbie, the former Commissioner of Finance.
However, Oborevwori emerged victorious in both the primary and the subsequent governorship elections, assuming office as the Governor of Delta on Monday.
Okowa’s Decision to Align with Oborevwori
Speaking at a valedictory party in Asaba, the state capital, Okowa explained that his rift with Ibori arose due to their differing choices of a successor.
Okowa made the decision to support Oborevwori as he believed Edevbie had misled him regarding adherence to the Delta PDP zoning provision before the 2015 governorship election.
Attempted Negotiations and Broken Promises
Okowa revealed that he had expressed his reservations about Edevbie to Ibori, but the former governor remained steadfast in his support.
Okowa recalled attempting to dissuade Edevbie from running for governor, emphasizing the turn of Delta North after Delta Central and Delta South had previously held the position.
Edevbie initially agreed not to run and pledged his support to Okowa, but later reneged on their agreement and received the endorsement of Ibori.
Okowa’s Determination and Successful Campaign
Despite the challenges, Okowa persevered in the governorship race and emerged victorious.
He acknowledged the tough competition but attributed his success to divine intervention.
Edevbie’s Ambitions and the Issue of Zoning
Okowa further highlighted that, even after appointing Edevbie as a commissioner during his first term, he became aware of meetings held in Lagos and other locations to groom Edevbie as a future governor.
Okowa emphasized that as per the zoning rules, the governorship seat in 2023 would be allocated to Delta Central.
Despite being hesitant to support a candidate outside Delta Central, Okowa emphasized that someone who did not believe in the zoning should not benefit from it.
Failed Attempts at Reconciliation
Okowa mentioned that Ibori approached him shortly before the primary election, seeking to reach a compromise and propose a new candidate.
However, Okowa expressed his inability to withdraw support from Oborevwori at that stage, emphasizing his commitment to his chosen candidate and his principled approach.