PDP Demands Immediate Release of Ex Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by EFCC

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate release of former Delta State Governor and 2023 vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, who was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, condemned Okowa’s detention, describing it as “political witch-hunting” aimed at stifling opposition voices.

Osadolor expressed concern over what he termed the EFCC’s “targeted persecution of opposition leaders,” claiming this approach could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Okowa reportedly turned himself in at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office, where he was detained on allegations of diverting N1.3 trillion in 13% derivation funds allocated to Delta State during his tenure.

The EFCC has yet to substantiate these claims.

Osadolor questioned the timing of Okowa’s detention, suggesting it was linked to PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar’s recent criticisms of government policies.

He noted that, “Delta State government has not reported any missing funds,” and argued that EFCC’s actions appear politically motivated, stating, “Okowa is a global figure who willingly appeared at the EFCC office; yet he remains in detention.”

The PDP leader criticized what he called “media trials” of opposition figures, adding that prominent members of the ruling party with similar allegations have not faced equivalent scrutiny.

Osadolor also speculated that other opposition leaders, such as Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, could be targeted next.

The PDP is calling for a reform of the EFCC Act, proposing that the judiciary or Senate, rather than the presidency, appoint the commission’s chairman and board members to safeguard the agency’s independence.

“We demand Okowa’s immediate release and urge the EFCC to operate as a neutral, independent body, not an extension of the ruling party,” Osadolor asserted.