Mixed Reactions Trail Oborevwori, Okowa Defection to APC

Mixed Reactions Trail Oborevwori, Okowa Defection to APC

•We Never Knew You Would Kill PDP, Says Ozobo

•APC NWC, Keyamo Hail Governor’s Move as Political Masterstroke

By Joel Oladele, Abuja

In a political shift that has rattled the South-South region, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking a wave of mixed reactions across the state and beyond.

The defection, which was confirmed on wednesday, after a six-hour closed-door meeting at Government House in Asaba, also includes the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, all local government chairmen, and the entire leadership structure of the PDP in Delta.

The announcement was made by Senator James Manager, who declared that the time had come to abandon “a sinking boat.”

Manager stated, “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.

“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat,” he said.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Aniagwu Charles, officially confirmed the governor’s defection and the collective decision of Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders to join the APC.

“There is a need for us to adjust our thinking patterns. And in adjusting that thinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and, to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu stated.

He continued, “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”

Charles added that the decision was unanimously made by party leaders and stakeholders, hinting at a formal public declaration soon.

“By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC,” he said.

The governor’s defection, however, has not been met with universal applause. Ijaw rights activist, Mr. Austin Ozobo, did not hide his dismay. Taking to Facebook, he accused Governor Oborevwori of betraying the party and its loyal base.

“It is no longer news about Governor Oborevwori’s defection to APC. It is sad. I never knew you (the governor) would kill PDP in Delta for personal gains,” he wrote.

Similarly, some PDP members who spoke under condition of anonymity expressed deep dismay, saying the governor’s action was a slap in the face of the party’s loyalists who toiled to see him elected.

“It’s unfortunate that the governor will just do this to a party that stood by him during his election travails. We wish him well sha,” one of them lamented.

“He could have supported Tinubu from within the PDP like Wike is doing,” one party faithful said, warning that the gamble might not pay off in 2027.

Despite the backlash, some political figures have welcomed the move. Sir Sunny Mene, former Organizing Secretary of the APC in Delta State, likened political parties to churches, saying, “The gate is always open for new converts. The more, the merrier.”

The APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) also rolled out the red carpet.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party hailed the decision as a milestone for both the state and the nation, stating, “Our great Party welcomes this important development, and assures the Governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta state, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians.”

Also, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), hailed the Governor, ex-Governor and others, describing the development as a political turning point for the state.

Reacting via his X handle yesterday, the longtime APC loyalist and influential figure from Delta, declared the moment a long-awaited breakthrough for the APC in the state.

“Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally Delta is APC!” he wrote.

Keyamo attributed the shift to the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, saying it was the president’s vision and inclusiveness that made the APC an attractive platform for leading political figures.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our Party,” he said.

In a public show of support, Keyamo referred to Oborevwori as his “leader and Governor,” commending him for what he called a bold and visionary decision.

“Thank you, my leader & Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision,” the minister added.