In what Vice President Kashim Shettima has described as a “political tsunami of unimaginable proportion,” Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in the state, officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday.
Speaking at the Cenotaph in Asaba during the mass defection ceremony, Vice President Shettima declared that the APC had become stronger and better with the historic movement of political heavyweights into its fold. He expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for what he called a bold and patriotic decision.
“All the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly from Delta State are now in APC; so many members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker, all members of the State House of Assembly, the governor, his cabinet, local government council chairmen, 500 councilors, and their supporters have joined the APC,” Shettima said.
He added, “This is not just about receiving new members. It is a declaration that the spirit of our great nation is alive—the spirit that transcends personal ambition and party lines. Nigeria is greater than all of us.”
The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, while welcoming the new members, praised President Bola Tinubu for his leadership, which he said has made APC-governed states models of good governance. Ganduje also lauded the political harmony between Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, describing it as rare in Nigerian politics.
Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, emphasized the ideological foundation of the APC, stating, “APC is a party based on ideology; it protects our national interest and is committed to developing our country and expanding the political horizon.”
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori described the defection as a “movement” and said the decision was made after extensive consultations at all levels of government and party structures.
“We have been in opposition for almost ten years. We don’t need that anymore. President Bola Tinubu has shown Delta State unprecedented support through infrastructural projects, and it is only right that we reciprocate by aligning fully with the APC,” Oborevwori said.
The event attracted a large turnout of political leaders, including 16 APC governors, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, APC lawmakers from Delta State and beyond, and the 2023 Delta APC Governorship Candidate and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, among others.
The day’s dramatic developments mark a major political realignment
RN
