“The open endorsement of President Tinubu by Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.

“I commend Dr. Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heartwarming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the unity and development of Nigeria.

“That is what I have always told people—to come out and say it, not wait until they have problems and begin to run around.

“They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of the Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.

“I am particularly happy that what I observed before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing, and they are joining the Renewed Hope train.”

— FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, reacting to the defection of Atiku’s running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his successor, Gov. Sheriff of Delta State.