Former Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Nick Ovuakporie, recently defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In an interview with Dele Ogunyemi, he explained that his move was driven by principle and patriotism, not personal gain. He pointed to his resignation letter, which outlines his reasons for leaving the APC. Ovuakporie emphasized that his priority has always been good governance and putting Nigeria first, rather than pursuing political ambition or pecuniary interests.
During the APC presidential primary, Ovuakporie supported Vice‑President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, believing he possessed the capacity and potential to govern effectively. After that stage, he saw a broader vision for Nigeria that could be realized through a partnership between Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and former Vice‑President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. He argued that this combination represented the next step toward a greater Nigeria, the same conviction that had initially led him to back Osinbajo.
When questioned about his previous criticism of Governor Okowa, Ovuakporie clarified that, as APC state secretary, he never joined unfounded attacks on the governor. He respected Okowa’s policies and understood the challenges of governance, rejecting the “politics of bitterness” that he says characterized his former party’s propaganda against the PDP. He urged Delta residents not to be swayed by such tactics.
Ovuakporie’s decision to join the PDP was rooted in patriotism and the marginalisation of his people. In his resignation letter he wrote that, as state secretary, he was obligated to protect the political and economic interests of the Isoko, Itsekiri, and Ijaw peoples of Delta South Senatorial District. He cited specific grievances: the denial of appointments to deserving Isoko individuals, the lack of infrastructural development in the district, and the hijacking of an NNPC pipeline‑surveillance contract by outsiders, which he felt portrayed the Isoko as weak. These concerns, rather than financial motives, prompted his departure, and he claimed to have the support of his community.
Regarding the PDP’s prospects in the upcoming general elections, Ovuakporie expressed optimism. He praised Governor Okowa’s development record, noting that most roads in the state capital are now tarred and that numerous legacy projects have been completed. He highlighted that Atiku Abubakar’s recent visits to the capital to inaugurate landmark projects reflect this momentum. Ovuakporie admires Okowa’s execution of development initiatives, even during his time in the APC.
On the national stage, Ovuakporie believes Atiku Abubakar is the candidate best suited to lead Nigeria. He argues that Atiku’s experience as head of the Economic Council while Vice‑President equips him to address the country’s economic challenges without needing a learning curve. He dismissed concerns about regional or ethnic representation, stating that the Nigerian Constitution does not endorse stereotypes based on ethnicity or region. For him, competence and good governance matter more than sentiment or propaganda.
Finally, Ovuakporie urged Nigerians to vote for Atiku Abubakar as President and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as Vice‑President in the February 25, 2023 election, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the vote and to choose the PDP as the party capable of rescuing Nigeria from its current difficulties.
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