In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The dramatic political shift was confirmed Wednesday evening after a six-hour closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba.
Senator James Manager, a long-time PDP chieftain, made the announcement, stating bluntly, “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.” According to him, the defection includes the governor, his predecessor, the Speaker of the State Assembly, the PDP state chairman, all 25 local government chairmen, and other key party stakeholders.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, later addressed the media and offered a metaphor-heavy rationale: “The PDP is like palm wine that has lost its taste, and it was time to switch drinking parties.” He noted that the decision was made to align with a party that could “cement development,” bolster state security, and avoid “truncating progress” in Delta.
He added that the official public declaration would happen on Monday next week, suggesting that the political realignment was well-orchestrated and not a knee-jerk reaction. “We needed to make a decision that would help advance the cause of our people,” Aniagwu said.
This mass defection is poised to significantly alter the political dynamics in the South-South region, a traditional PDP stronghold, and it signals a major win for the APC as it consolidates power ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Deltans brace for what could be a new political era, all eyes will be on Monday’s formal announcement and the ripple effects it could trigger across Nigeria’s party lines. Behind the States will be watching closely.
