ASABA: In a dramatic political development, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This sweeping realignment represents one of the most significant political shifts in the state’s history and could have far-reaching implications across the South-South region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday during a press briefing held in Asaba, the capital of Delta State. The declaration followed an extensive, closed-door meeting that lasted over six hours at the Delta State Government House. Senator James Manager, a key political figure and former PDP stalwart, addressed the press shortly after the meeting, delivering the stunning news.
According to Manager, “All members of the PDP in Delta State—including the current governor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the state party chairman, as well as all local government chairmen across the state—have come to a unanimous decision to join the APC.
We have collectively resolved that we can no longer remain aboard a ship that is sinking.
The statement drew immediate reactions from political observers, signaling a seismic shift in the state’s political landscape.
Confirming the defection, Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, provided further insight into the rationale behind the move.
He emphasized that the decision was not made lightly, but was instead the result of thoughtful deliberation among the state’s PDP leadership and stakeholders.
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Aniagwu explained, We recognized the urgent need to reassess our political direction and realign our priorities in a way that best serves the development and progress of Delta State. It was important for us to take steps that would not only preserve but also accelerate the socioeconomic growth of our communities. In this context, remaining in the PDP no longer aligned with our aspirations.
Using a metaphor to describe the decline of the PDP, Aniagwu added, “The state of the party is comparable to a bottle of palm wine that has lost its tastebitter, flat, and no longer enjoyable. As such, we saw the need to change our drinking party, so to speak, to one that can better support our goals for governance and development.”
He went on to say that the move was a consensus decision, made with the full support of political leaders and influential stakeholders throughout the state. He hinted at an upcoming public event to formally announce the transition.
“By God’s grace, we are planning a major public declaration on Monday next week. That will serve as a powerful statement to the people of Delta and the nation at large, confirming our collective decision to join the APC and work toward a more prosperous future for our state, Aniagwu said.
This mass defection is poised to reshape the political dynamics not only in Delta State but across the broader South-South geopolitical zone. It underscores a broader trend of realignments and power shifts that could redefine party dominance and electoral outcomes in the coming years.
