“I Cannot Stay in Darkness”: Okowa’s Striking Explanation for Turning Away from Atiku

According to a report by Daily Post on Saturday November 07, 2026, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has explained his decision to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, declaring that his assessment of the President’s leadership has changed his political outlook.

Okowa made the announcement on Saturday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he spoke about his decision to move away from the political camp he supported during the 2023 general election.

The former governor was Atiku Abubakar’s running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election. However, he said his experience and observations of the current administration had convinced him to take a different political direction.

“I was in another ticket in 2023 but I have now seen the light. I have seen what Tinubu is doing. I have seen where Nigeria is going. I cannot stay in darkness when there is light,” Okowa stated.

He maintained that Tinubu had demonstrated a commitment to the country’s development, despite the difficult decisions taken by his administration. According to him, the impact of some of those policies is gradually becoming evident.

Okowa also addressed possible perceptions surrounding his defection to the ruling party, insisting that his decision was not driven by personal benefits or political deception.

Explaining his position, he said his experience in the opposition had helped him recognise the importance of following what he considered the right political direction.

“I am not here to deceive anybody. I have been in opposition before. I know what it is to be in opposition. But when you see the truth, you must follow the truth,” he added.

His declaration represents a major departure from his political alignment in 2023, when he contested alongside Atiku against Tinubu. Okowa has now pledged his support for the President as political activities begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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