Delta Governor Oborevwori Pledges to Unite APC After Defecting from PDP
Governor Officially Joins Ruling Party, Vows to Strengthen Party Unity
Asaba, Delta State – Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has made a significant political move by officially defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising President Bola Tinubu that he will prioritize unity within the ruling party in the state.
Defection Ceremony Marks Political Realignment
The high-profile defection ceremony took place at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital, on Monday, April 28, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Tinubu. During the event, Oborevwori was formally handed the leadership of the APC in Delta State.
The governor stated: I assured Mr. President, who was represented by the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima GCON, that as the leader of APC in the state, the unity of our party is paramount as we work together for the best interests of the people of Delta State.
Mass Defection Shakes PDP
Oborevwori’s move follows his announcement last week to join the APC alongside his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election. This mass defection represents a significant blow to Nigeria’s main opposition party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okowa Explains Defection Rationale
Former Governor Okowa clarified that the decision to switch parties was strategic rather than personal: This is not about me or Governor Oborevwori, but about connecting our state with the federal government to access resources and goodwill in Abuja.
Okowa emphasized that as a major contributor to national resources through its oil production, Delta State needed to maintain strong ties with the central government for optimal development benefits.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Political analyst Titilope Anifowoshe commented on the implications for opposition parties: Opposition parties should take a cue from how the APC operated constructively when it was in opposition before 2015.
The defections have prompted the PDP to convene emergency meetings to address the political realignment and strategize for future elections.
El-Rufai Downplays Defection Significance
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently left the APC for the Social Democratic Party (SDP), offered a contrasting perspective, describing the high-profile defections to the APC as overrated.
The political developments in Delta State continue to generate significant discussion about Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Source: Legit.ng