Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has stirred political interest after describing former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as a former vice-presidential candidate of a “defunct party” during a public event.
Ganduje made the remark while delivering a goodwill message at the fifth annual conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, which brought together political figures from different parties and regions.
While acknowledging dignitaries at the gathering, Ganduje recognised Okowa, who governed Delta State from 2015 to 2023, and referred to him as his “big brother” before making the comment about his political history.
My friend, the former governor of Katsina State, and the Right Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and the co-chair, my big brother, the former governor of Delta State and also a former vice-presidential candidate of a defunct party,” Ganduje said.
Okowa was the running mate to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP contested the election against the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, emerged as the winner.
Ganduje’s description of the PDP as a “defunct party” appeared to be a sarcastic political remark during his acknowledgement of the former Delta governor.
The comment has drawn attention because the PDP remains a significant name in Nigeria’s multiparty political landscape, despite internal divisions and leadership disputes that have affected the party.
Ganduje’s statement reflects the continuing political exchanges among prominent figures associated with Nigeria’s major political parties.
Although he described Okowa as his “big brother”, his reference to the former governor’s vice-presidential candidacy through a “defunct party” introduced a political undertone to the goodwill message.
Okowa served two terms as governor of Delta State before joining Atiku on the PDP presidential ticket in 2023.
The remark comes amid growing political realignments and discussions ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their leaders positioning themselves for the next electoral contest.
Ganduje’s comment, however, was made during a formal gathering of former deputy governors and should be understood in the context of his remarks at the event.
