Historic Political Tsunami Hits Delta State as PDP Stronghold Collapses
Unprecedented Defection Rocks Nigerian Politics
President Bola Tinubu has described the mass defection from Delta State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “political tsunami of unimaginable proportions.” The historic event saw Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State switch allegiance to the ruling party.
A Watershed Moment in Nigerian Politics
The defection ceremony at the Cenotaph in Asaba marked the end of PDP’s 26-year dominance in Delta State, traditionally one of its strongest strongholds. President Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, declared this development unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history.
“What can be greater than the promise of this day?” Tinubu asked. “This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South and this country.”
Political Heavyweights Witness Historic Shift
The event was attended by numerous political leaders including:
- APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje
- Governors from Imo, Ekiti, Cross-River, Edo, Kogi, Kwara, Yobe, Kastina, and Gombe states
- Former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
- Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Olorogun Festus Keyamo
Governor Oborevwori Explains Defection
Governor Oborevwori justified the move, stating: “We have been in opposition for almost 10 years; do we need that? Mr. President has supported us, he has shown us love; we cannot face him in 2027 and work against him.”
The governor also dismissed rumors of factionalism within Delta State’s APC, declaring: “As I have come, there will be no more faction again.”
Former Governor Okowa Cites Need for Connection
Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past governor, explained his decision to join APC: “There is need for us to connect to Abuja. That goodwill that we see in Abuja to which Delta State is a large contributor, there is a need to connect to it.”
Contrasting Views on Defection Impact
While President Tinubu hailed the defections as historic, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai offered a contrasting perspective, dismissing high-profile defections as “widely exaggerated” with little electoral value.
The political realignment in Delta State marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape as the 2027 elections approach.
Credit: Original Source