From 2023 PDP VP Candidate to Tinubu Campaigner: Ifeanyi Okowa Named APC Mobiliser for 2027

The All Progressives Congress (APC) recently released its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council list, naming Okowa among 21 politicians in the stakeholder mobilisation sub-committee.

This official appointment cements Okowa’s dramatic political transition from Tinubu’s direct rival to one of his chief campaign strategists.

From PDP Rival to Tinubu Campaign Strategist

Just over three years ago, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa was actively campaigning across Nigeria to become the Vice President under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) banner alongside Atiku Abubakar.

Today, he is tasked with convincing Nigerians to re-elect the man who defeated them in 2023. Okowa’s alignment with the ruling party highlights a calculated effort to maintain national political relevance.

Despite his party switch, Okowa still commands strong political goodwill in Delta State, particularly within his home senatorial zone. He also maintains a highly cordial and loyal relationship with his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The APC Switch: Survival, Allegations, and Strategy

On April 23, 2025, Okowa shocked the political landscape by resigning his longtime membership in the PDP to join the ruling APC. In a coordinated power move, he timed his defection to align with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his political base.

For political watchers, the defection was both a strategic bid to resurrect a stalling national political career and political protection against ongoing anti-graft scrutiny.

Prior to his defection, Okowa faced heavy scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). On November 5, 2024, the EFCC detained him over a petition alleging the diversion of ₦1.3 trillion in Delta State derivation funds.

While he was released without formal charges, the anti-graft agency has kept a conspicuous silence on the matter two years later.

Okowa Heading Back to the Senate?

Since joining the APC, Okowa’s political fortunes have rebounded significantly. He has already clinched the APC senatorial ticket for Delta North for the upcoming elections, and if all goes in his favor, he could be back in the senate by June 2027.

His landslide victory at the APC primaries, however, is facing a legal challenge as the incumbent Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, is seeking to upturn it in the courts.