In what can only be described as a dramatic unmasking of political hypocrisy, Comrade Timi Frank has taken the gloves off, calling out former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for what he describes as “desperation dressed in regret.”
Frank, a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ULMWP Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, blasted Okowa’s reported remarks expressing regret for accepting the vice-presidential slot under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections.
But Frank is not buying the remorse saying,
“If there’s anyone who lobbied, begged, and schemed relentlessly for that position, it was Okowa,” Frank declared in a fiery statement from Abuja. “His so-called regret is a coward’s exit strategy.”
Frank recalled in detail how Okowa, through intense behind-the-scenes lobbying, edged out more credible candidates—particularly the then-Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike—whom Frank and many others saw as the stronger, more capable choice.
“Okowa didn’t fall into the position. He fought tooth and nail for it. His sudden change of tune is not just dishonest—it’s insulting to the truth.”
What’s more, Frank argues that Okowa’s political journey has been one long trail of betrayal. From allegedly stabbing his godfather, former Governor James Ibori, in the back, to now turning his back on the PDP after riding on its back to national prominence, Okowa, according to Frank, is the picture of political opportunism.
“His recent defection to the APC is not out of conviction, but out of fear—fear of the EFCC and the ghosts of misdeeds chasing him,” Frank said. “He’s running to the APC not to serve, but to hide.”
Frank insisted that Okowa’s presence on the PDP ticket in 2023 did the party more harm than good.
“Despite being a sitting governor and vice-presidential candidate, he couldn’t deliver Delta State. That tells you all you need to know about his so-called political capital.”
The scathing critique didn’t end there, Frank also alleged that Okowa is dragging others down with him, including Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who he claims was pressured into joining the APC.
“Okowa’s legacy is not leadership—it’s manipulation.”
In a final twist, Frank suggested that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s defeat in 2023 might have been avoided if not for his trust in Okowa.
“Atiku didn’t see it then. He thought Okowa’s calm exterior meant loyalty. But beneath that calm was ambition, deception, and betrayal. And it cost us dearly.”
As the dust settles on Okowa’s political realignment, Frank leaves no doubt about his view: “The APC may have gained a man, but not a statesman. Okowa remains a liability—wherever he goes.”