Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has described his defection, alongside members of his cabinet and key stakeholders, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “a movement,” not just a political shift.
Speaking at a welcome rally held in Asaba on Monday to formally receive him and other defectors into the APC, Governor Oborevwori said, “What you have seen here today is a movement, not a defection. We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr President has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic.”
The governor’s defection marks a significant political realignment in Delta State, traditionally a PDP stronghold.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who also announced his switch to APC, reiterated that the decision was made in the overall interest of Delta State and its people.
“It is a great day for us in Delta State. When the news broke out on Wednesday, April 23, that we had decided to change our path, people wondered why,” Okowa said. “But one thing is very important: in the history of a people, there is always a time to change a path for the common good, and whatever decision we took was based on that.”
Okowa, who governed Delta from 2015 to 2023, explained that the move was motivated by the need to forge stronger ties with the federal government, ensuring that Delta taps fully into national resources.
“I was governor for eight years; I did my best, but we lost a lot. I believe the governor needed to connect to Abuja — that goodwill, that resource which Delta contributes significantly to — and it is important we tap into it,” he added.
The event was attended by the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and several APC governors.
Okowa described the decision as bold, patriotic, and in the best interest of the people. “The move is bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned. It is in the best interest of our state,” he said.
