By:
Nosa Adewale
Date:
April 26, 2025
In a stunning political realignment, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa have officially dumped the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), sending shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Delta State, a stronghold of the PDP for over two decades, is now at the center of a political upheaval that could redefine the 2027 presidential and governorship elections. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa—also the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate—have officially defected to the ruling APC, along with key party stakeholders from ward to state level.
The defection, confirmed by Senator James Manager, PDP’s pioneer state chairman, follows extensive consultations within the party. “We can’t stay on a sinking ship,” Manager declared, emphasizing that the party’s dwindling national influence and internal crisis made their exit inevitable.
Oborevwori and Okowa’s move signals not just a change of party but a strategic shift toward 2027. Observers believe the duo is aligning with President Tinubu’s APC to secure their political future, citing the PDP’s ongoing national disunity—largely attributed to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s grip on the party.
The formal reception is scheduled for Monday, April 28, at the Cenotaph in Asaba, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expected in attendance.
However, the shift has ignited power tussles within the Delta APC. The pressing question: who leads the APC in Delta—incumbent governor Oborevwori or Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer in 2023 and its de facto leader?
Traditionally, the sitting governor assumes party leadership, but Omo-Agege and other APC stalwarts like Senator Ned Nwoko and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi strongly oppose the defectors’ inclusion. Omo-Agege had, just months ago, rejected any alliance with Oborevwori and Okowa, citing their “questionable records” and vowing to preserve the APC’s integrity.
The conflict intensified as Senator Nwoko, a former PDP loyalist turned APC senator, lambasted his former allies. Despite Okowa’s previous support that helped Nwoko secure his senatorial seat, the relationship has soured beyond repair. “They should stay in the PDP,” Nwoko insisted during a high-profile APC meeting in Agbor attended by National Chairman Ganduje and other party bigwigs.
Despite opposition from party veterans, APC’s national leadership appears to back Oborevwori’s entry. In a statement, party spokesperson Felix Morka welcomed the governor and praised the defection as a “historic milestone” for the APC in the South-South region.
As the 2027 election draws near, the internal struggle within Delta APC could either bolster or break the party’s ambitions. With Oborevwori bringing an entire PDP structure into the APC fold, the battle for control has just begun.
Stay updated with NIGPOST for the latest on Nigeria’s political twists and realignments. Share your thoughts—will APC’s gamble in Delta pay off?
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