In a significant development, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and several key stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made after a high-level stakeholders meeting held at the Government House in Asaba.
According to Delta State Commissioner for Works and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the decision to leave the PDP was driven by the need to align with a platform that better serves the state’s development goals and the interests of Deltans. “For some time now, the media has been speculating about the political direction of Delta State,” Aniagwu said. “Our Governor and leaders have been carrying out wide consultations, and after careful deliberations, we reached a unanimous decision.”
Aniagwu further explained that the move is aimed at ensuring Delta State’s continued progress, saying, “This move is aimed at ensuring that Delta State continues on the path of development, security, and progress. Remaining in the PDP, given the current circumstances, would only truncate that journey.” He used a metaphor to describe the changing political landscape, stating, “The political temperature has changed — the taste of the palm wine, so to speak, has changed — and we must adjust our drinking pattern accordingly.”
Former Senator James Manager, a pioneer PDP Chairman in Delta State, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the decision was not taken lightly. “I have been with the PDP from the very beginning, so this is a very emotional moment for me,” Manager said. “But when a ship is sinking, you don’t stay onboard out of sentiment. We had extensive consultations, and today marks the climax of those discussions. What we have now is a collective and unanimous decision to chart a new course.”
The defection, which marks the first time a sitting governor and a former governor have collectively abandoned the PDP for another party since 1999, is set to significantly alter the political landscape in Delta State. As the former PDP stronghold braces for a realignment of forces ahead of the 2027 general elections, the move underscores the evolving dynamics in Nigerian politics.
