Okowa denies N500bn refund as Oborevwori meets Tinubu, Ganduje and APC governors days after defection

The meeting was Oborevwori’s first official visit to Tinubu since his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor described the meeting with the president as “insightful” and said it was aimed at unlocking long-term opportunities for growth.

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“It was an honour to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) earlier today at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja,” he wrote in a post on X.

“We engaged in an insightful conversation that will unlock sustainable growth for the future.”

Tinubu confirmed the meeting, saying the discussion focused on development challenges and economic prospects in Delta.

“We engaged in meaningful discussions about the opportunities for sustainable growth and discussed the critical challenges they face,” the president posted on his official X account.

“Our administration remains committed to supporting and collaborating with state governments and sub-nationals to foster long-term development and growth throughout Nigeria.

“I have long decided to take a bet on our dear country, Nigeria, and together, we must work tirelessly towards building a brighter future for all Nigerians. That is my Renewed Hope promise.”

According to reports, the Delta governor also met some governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa.

The governors include Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Uba Sani (Kaduna), and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

Abdullahi Ganduje, national chairman of the APC, also received Oborevwori at his residence in Abuja.

Ganduje said their talks touched on “politics and the economy”.

Meanwhile, former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has denied allegations that he refunded over ₦500 billion to the state government as part of a covert arrangement to avoid prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Rumours had circulated across Delta State that the former governor secretly refunded the massive sum in an effort to avoid legal consequences, preserve political influence, and negotiate a possible soft landing with anti-graft authorities.

However, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olise Ifeajirika, Okowa dismissed the claims as false and baseless.

“It’s not true that my boss, Okowa, returned such money. The EFCC is at liberty to do its job,” Ifeajirika said.