Governor Oborevwori Defects to APC, Bringing Okowa and Key PDP Leaders Along

In a major political shift, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing an end to weeks of speculation about his political future. Also making the move is his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba by Senator James Manager, who addressed the media following a crucial PDP stakeholders' meeting at the Government House. Manager revealed that a formal declaration ceremony would take place on Monday.

In his statement, Manager described the defection as a strategic move to ensure the continued growth and development of Delta State. He also disclosed that the entire PDP structure in the state had been absorbed into the APC, signaling a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape.

Present at the announcement were Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and several other prominent PDP leaders, further underscoring the magnitude of this political shift.

Delta State's Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniagwu Charles, confirmed Governor Oborevwori’s defection, alongside a collective move by other top PDP leaders in the state. During a press briefing in Asaba, Aniagwu explained that the decision was rooted in the need to reposition the state for sustained development, improved security, and better welfare for its citizens.

“There comes a time when we must reassess our course,” Aniagwu stated. “To ensure Delta’s progress is not stalled, we made the bold decision to realign for broader collaboration and renewed focus on building a state every Deltan can be proud of.”

He emphasized that remaining in the PDP would have hindered the administration’s goals due to what he described as the party’s internal divisions. “Staying in the PDP felt like drinking palm wine that has lost its flavour,” he remarked metaphorically. “It became necessary to change the drinking party to preserve the taste of progress.”

Aniagwu further assured the people of Delta that this realignment was not for personal gain but a strategic move to secure the state’s future. He promised that the defection would bolster ongoing reforms and create new opportunities for collaboration with the federal government.

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