In a significant political development, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made during a press briefing at the Government House in Asaba, attended by key political figures including former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guor, and other prominent PDP members.
Senator James Manager, representing Delta South Senatorial District, confirmed the defection, stating that the entire PDP structure in Delta State had merged with the APC. “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen, and others, have agreed to move to the APC,” Manager declared. “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”
The move marks a dramatic shift in Delta State’s political landscape, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP. The defection of both Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, who was also the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, signifies a substantial realignment of political allegiances in the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who had previously dismissed rumors of his defection as baseless and the work of opposition elements, has now taken the decisive step to join the ruling party. In a statement issued earlier this year, Oborevwori’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, had refuted claims of any planned defection, describing them as “entirely false” and “concocted by opposition elements in the state who feel threatened by his growing acceptance and bridge-building efforts across political divides.”
However, the recent developments suggest a change in the governor’s political trajectory, aligning with the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. The full integration of the PDP structure into the APC indicates a consolidation of political power within the ruling party in Delta State.
The implications of this defection are far-reaching. It not only alters the political dynamics within Delta State but also has potential ramifications for the national political scene. The shift could influence the balance of power in the National Assembly and affect the strategies of political parties as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
In related news, reports have surfaced alleging that some PDP governors have entered into a covert agreement with President Bola Tinubu to support his re-election bid in 2027. Insiders claim that a “gentleman’s pact” has been struck, allowing these governors to remain in the PDP while backing the president’s second term. In exchange, President Tinubu is said to be offering support for their re-election campaigns.
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, now serving as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, is reportedly playing a pivotal role in solidifying President Tinubu’s influence within the PDP. Wike’s alliance with the president has allegedly influenced other PDP governors, including those from Plateau, Adamawa, and Oyo states, to align with the ruling party.
The ongoing leadership crisis within the PDP, coupled with these alleged covert agreements, has raised questions about the party’s ability to present a unified front against the APC in the 2027 elections. As defections continue and political realignments unfold, the future of the PDP remains uncertain, while the APC appears to be consolidating its position ahead of the next general elections.
Governor Oborevwori’s defection is a clear indication of the shifting political tides in Nigeria. It underscores the fluid nature of party affiliations and the strategic considerations that drive political decisions. As the 2027 elections approach, the evolving political landscape in Delta State and across the country will undoubtedly shape the strategies and fortunes of the major political parties.
In conclusion, the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC represents a significant realignment in Delta State’s political landscape. This move, coupled with the alleged agreements between PDP governors and President Tinubu, signals a potential shift in the national political dynamics as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. The coming months will be critical in determining how these developments influence the strategies and outcomes of the major political parties involved.
Discussion about this post