In a dramatic shift within Nigeria’s political landscape, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside key political stakeholders in the state. This move follows months of speculation and behind-the-scenes consultations over the governor’s political future.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at Government House, Asaba, after a high-level meeting with PDP leaders, stakeholders, and top government officials. Speaking at the gathering, pioneer Chairman of the PDP in Delta State, Senator James Manager, confirmed the collective decision to leave the party, citing national challenges within the PDP and the need for a strategic political realignment in the state.
“You have just witnessed the climax of several consultations. We’ve disagreed to agree and made this decision unanimously. As a riverine man, I cannot stay in a boat that’s sinking,” Senator Manager declared.
He referenced recent developments, including a resolution by the PDP Governors’ Forum in Ibadan rejecting a coalition strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, as a major factor that weakened morale within the party. “With just about 11 governors left, how can you challenge an incumbent president without forming alliances? That resolution killed the fighting spirit of many PDP members,” he added.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the party’s internal issues at the national level necessitated the defection. “Politics is local, and with the changing political climate, it’s imperative for us to move in a direction that ensures the growth and security of our people,” Aniagwu said.
Governor Oborevwori’s defection, along with other top Delta leaders, further reshapes the South-South political map, strengthening President Bola Tinubu’s base ahead of the 2027 elections. Delta State, with an estimated 1.4 million votes, is a strategic addition to the APC’s southern bloc.
A formal defection rally is scheduled for Monday at the Cenotaph in Asaba, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to officially welcome the governor and his supporters into the APC fold.
Present at the pivotal meeting were Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Governor and former PDP Vice Presidential candidate Senator 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 top Delta PDP leaders and stakeholders.
