A purported audio recording attributed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio has sparked reactions after a voice said to be his allegedly linked former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to fears over corruption cases.

The recording, which is circulating online, reportedly captures Akpabio discussing Okowa’s political movement and the corruption investigation involving the former governor.

In the audio, the voice allegedly says:

“Okowa is only joining APC because of fear of his corruption cases, not because of sincerity”

The recording was reportedly circulated by Sandra Duru, also known as Prof. Mgbeke, and has been reported by Nigerian media outlets. However, the authenticity, date and full context of the recording have not been independently established.

Okowa and political associates have previously rejected claims that his defection was intended to protect him from corruption investigations. In May 2026, his former Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifejiakah, said it was not true that Okowa and the Delta political structure moved to the APC to shield the former governor from fraud allegations.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also maintained that its investigation into Okowa continued after his defection to the APC. The former governor was arrested in November 2024 over allegations involving the management of Delta State’s 13 percent derivation funds, allegations he has denied.

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