Mixed Reactions Trail Defections of Oborevwori Okowa Other PDP Stalwarts To APC
… it’s a bold, strategic move – APC
…We didn’t know Oborevwori would destroy PDP — Ozobo
Reactions have trailed the Defections of Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and several key stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Salient Times reports that Oborevwori, Okowa and others stopped the 26 year dominance in Delta State with their defections into APC on Wednesday.
The announcement was made Wednesday after a high-level stakeholders meeting held at the Government House, Asaba.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, explained that the decision to abandon the PDP was born out of the need to align with a political platform that would better serve the development goals of the state 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. The political temperature has changed — the taste of the palm wine, so to speak, has changed — and we must adjust our drinking pattern accordingly.”
He continued: “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.”
Echoing similar sentiments, former Senator for Delta South and pioneer PDP Chairman in the state, Senator James Manager, emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary response to the internal issues plaguing the PDP.
“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.”
Also present at the pivotal meeting were Delta State Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners, local government chairmen, and other party officials and stakeholders.
The defection represents a significant shift in Delta State’s political landscape, marking the first time since 1999 that a sitting governor and a former governor have collectively abandoned the PDP for another party.
With this move, Delta State politics enters a new era, as the former PDP stronghold braces for what many are calling a realignment of forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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April 23, 2025
It’s a bold, strategic move – APC
The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State chapter, has hailed the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a bold and strategic move.
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC welcomed both leaders into its fold, describing their entry as a significant boost to the party’s strength and structure across the state.
“Their arrival brings invaluable experience, governance know-how, and grassroots networks that will strengthen our structures across the state,” the statement read.
According to Onojeghuo, the decision to join the APC demonstrates growing confidence in the party’s vision for a progressive Delta and a prosperous Nigeria. “This high-profile defection is not only historic but deeply symbolic. It marks a new era of unity and inclusiveness in Delta APC,” he added.
The party expressed optimism that the inclusion of Oborevwori, Okowa, and their supporters would foster peace, cohesion, and improved internal democracy as the APC gears up for the 2027 general elections.
“It sends a clear signal that the APC is the only credible platform for good governance, responsive leadership, and national development,” the statement continued.
Highlighting the strategic impact of the defection, the APC said the political realignment would bolster President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign. “Delta State remains a critical component in the South-South geopolitical landscape, and with Governor Oborevwori and Senator Okowa on board, we are optimistic that the APC will deliver resounding results in 2027.”
The party reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, accountability, and people-oriented governance, calling on all members to welcome the development and work together in unity.
“We once again extend our heartfelt welcome to His Excellency Governor Oborevwori, Senator Okowa, and their supporters. We look forward to working together for the betterment of Delta State and in strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership,” the statement concluded.
We didn’t know Oborevwori would destroy PDP — Ozobo
Meanwhile, the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to stir mixed reactions across the state, with many expressing shock and disappointment over the governor’s decision.
Ijaw rights activist, Mr. Austin Ozobo, took to his Facebook page to voice his disapproval, stating that he felt betrayed by the governor’s move. “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.
Others said Governor Oborevwori could have remained in the PDP while aligning politically with President Bola Tinubu, as former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike had done. “Banking on any under-the-table agreement with the APC over 2027 is risky. They could shock him. You don’t rely on political promises for a second term,” one party faithful warned
