…As state dumps PDP after 26 years, realigns with federal power
…APC welcomes defection of Gov, other PDP bigwigs
…Finally, Delta is APC — Keyamo celebrates defection as breakthrough for ruling party
…Dele Momodu blasts defections, accuses ruling party of coercion
A seismic shake-up has rocked Delta State’s political terrain as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and a host of senior government officials formally ditched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Joining the governor in the move were his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, several state commissioners, local government chairpersons, members of the Delta State House of Assembly, and a number of federal lawmakers.
Addressing journalists after the announcement, Delta’s Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, described the decision as a calculated response to shifting political dynamics and the need to secure continued development for the state.
“For months, the air has been thick with speculation about the future direction of Delta’s leadership,” Aniagwu said.
“The Governor and other senior figures have engaged in extensive consultations. After much reflection, we have come to a joint conclusion. The political climate has evolved, and we must adapt accordingly.”
Using a metaphor to underscore the change, he added, “The taste of the palm wine has changed, and so we must change the company with which we drink it. This is about ensuring progress, stability, and prosperity for our people. Staying in the PDP under the current conditions would only derail that path.”
He confirmed that the decision followed weeks of behind-the-scenes talks with stakeholders across the state, culminating in what he described as a unanimous consensus.
One of the state’s most prominent political voices, Senator James Manager, echoed this sentiment. A founding member of the PDP in Delta, Manager admitted the decision was deeply personal.
“I have been in the PDP from its inception, so this is not a step taken lightly,” he told the press. “But when a ship begins to sink, loyalty alone cannot keep you onboard. We deliberated thoroughly, and what we announce today is the outcome of that collective soul-searching. It is time to chart a new course.”
Manager cited recent developments at the PDP’s national level as particularly disheartening. In particular, he referred to a decision by the PDP Governors’ Forum to reject coalition-building efforts, which he said had “sapped the morale” of party members nationwide.
“That one resolution alone broke the spirits of many,” he said. “When you take a hard look at the situation, it becomes clear that change is the only responsible option.”
The defection wave reflects a broader pattern of political repositioning across Nigeria, as parties and individuals recalibrate for the next electoral cycle.
As Aniagwu summed it up, “By Monday, God willing, we will formally announce our entry into the APC.”
That official welcome came swiftly. The APC released a statement late Wednesday, confirming that Oborevwori, Okowa, and other key PDP figures had joined the ruling party. National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka described the development as “monumental” and pledged full integration of the new members.
“The leadership of our party, under Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is thrilled by this news,” Morka said. “Their inclusion will bolster Delta State’s role in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s national development vision.”
The party assured the defectors of collaboration and support, stressing its readiness to harness their experience and influence for the greater good.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), a Delta State native and senior APC figure, also welcomed the move with enthusiasm. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo celebrated the development as a long-awaited victory.
“Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally Delta is APC!” he posted.
Keyamo attributed the political migration to President Tinubu’s leadership style, which he described as “inclusive and visionary,” adding that it has helped position the APC as a natural magnet for experienced and forward-looking politicians.
He praised Governor Oborevwori for what he called “a courageous and farsighted decision,” adding, “Thank you, my leader and Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for showing the way.”
The mass defection has upended the state’s political landscape, setting the tone for a potentially volatile race to 2027. With major players now realigned, all eyes will be on how this shift reshapes the balance of power in one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states.
Also, media mogul and former presidential aspirant, Chief Dele Momodu, has issued a searing admonition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him not to steer Nigeria into what he described as a “democratic dictatorship,” following the high-profile defection of Delta State’s Governor and top PDP leaders to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking during a televised interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu, who once stood against military tyranny in the 1990s, voiced grave concern over what he perceives as an aggressive consolidation of power by President Tinubu’s camp, warning that history would not be kind to any leader who attempts to suppress democratic freedoms under the guise of political strength.
“My advice to him (Tinubu) is simple: uphold our democratic tenets. Do not turn Nigeria into a democratic dictatorship. No matter what happens, you were a pro-democracy man before becoming president. Please, allow democracy to breathe in Nigeria. If you don’t, I can bet my life that later in life it will be deeply regrettable,” Momodu declared pointedly.
Momodu accused the ruling party of fostering an atmosphere of fear and inducement, suggesting that Okowa’s move was not voluntary.
“I’m not surprised about it, he has been under serious harassment in recent times; it’s nothing new. What would surprise me is if President Bola Tinubu truly believes people are joining the APC because they love him or because he is doing fantastically well.” he said
Describing the defections as politically motivated survival tactics, Momodu warned Tinubu not to rely on opportunistic alliances to secure re-election.
“My advice to Asiwaju is that he should not trust these politicians. Right now, everyone can see that he is determined to get a second term. God gave him the first term, not through coercion. I don’t know why he now believes he must secure a second term through it,” he added.
