In a major political development that has ignited widespread debate, Delta State—long regarded as a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—witnessed a significant shift in loyalty as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and a large part of the PDP’s political structure formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, which took place during a high-profile event at the Cenotaph in Asaba, was described by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an unprecedented political event—a “tsunami” unlike anything witnessed in Nigeria’s political history, especially in the South-South region.
Tinubu, represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, emphasized that the mass defection, which included all Delta’s National Assembly representatives, the entire state cabinet, and around 500 councillors from all 25 local governments, marked a significant endorsement of the APC’s vision. He highlighted that the true strength of a political party lies in its ability to attract former opponents who now believe in its ideology and direction.
Despite the fanfare, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai offered a counterpoint by suggesting that such high-profile defections are often overstated and rarely translate into real electoral advantages.
Prominent figures at the event included APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and several governors such as Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), alongside senior lawmakers and ministers like Ovie Omo-Agege and Festus Keyamo.
Governor Oborevwori defended the decision to leave the PDP, citing sustained support from President Tinubu as a key factor. He declared that the political realignment was not just a personal or regional move but the beginning of a broader shift that would soon include other governors. According to him, joining the ruling party would enable them to better serve their constituents and express their loyalty to the President.
Oborevwori also addressed rumors of division within the APC in Delta State, insisting that his leadership would unify all factions. He stressed that unlike the PDP, the APC would be governed with discipline and unity, with everyone aligning under one leadership to foster peace and development for the state and the nation.