Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). His deputy, Monday Onyeme, commissioners, local government chairmen, and key stakeholders also made the switch.
The decision followed a six-hour, closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday. Top APC leaders attended the session, marking a turning point in Delta’s political direction.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, confirmed the move. He said the PDP no longer aligned with the state’s vision for growth, security, and unity. “Like palm wine that has lost its taste, the PDP is no longer suitable,” Aniagwu said. “We must adjust to keep Delta moving forward.”
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‘We Can’t Stay Afloat in a Sinking Ship’ — Senator Manager
Also addressing the press, Senator James Manager described the mass defection as inevitable. “We couldn’t remain in a sinking boat,” he declared. “The governor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker, party chairman, and all 25 local government chairmen have moved to the APC.”
Governor Oborevwori’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, added that the defection followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders. He emphasized that the decision prioritizes Delta’s long-term development and political stability.
Oborevwori, who won the 2023 governorship election under the PDP, had long been viewed as a loyal party man. However, recent events hinted at a shift. A video showing him with APC leaders recently surfaced online, sparking rumors. At the time, his media team dismissed the footage as outdated. Today, those rumors have been confirmed.
Analysts believe this defection is a calculated move with 2027 in sight. By switching now, Oborevwori and his allies may be positioning themselves for stronger federal alignment and broader political influence.
The realignment leaves the PDP with a major vacuum in the South-South. Meanwhile, the APC has scored one of its biggest political victories in the region in recent years.
As the dust settles, many will watch to see how this change reshapes Delta politics, and how it affects national strategies ahead of the next general elections.
