By Peter Omopo
In a stunning political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, have officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 26-year dominance in the state.
The move was formalized at a ceremony on Monday at the Cenotaph in Asaba, Delta State’s capital, where a massive crowd gathered to witness the event. Top APC figures including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, and Progressive Governors’ Forum Chairman Hope Uzodimma were present to welcome the new members.
Describing the event as historic, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the shift was “a movement, not a defection,” and was motivated by a desire to secure the best future for Delta State.
“We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr. President has shown us love,” Oborevwori said, referring to President Bola Tinubu. “We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic.”
The governor revealed that the entire Delta State PDP structure, including members of the House of Assembly, state executive council, local government chairmen, and councilors, had agreed to move with him to the APC.
Former Governor Okowa, who served as the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election, echoed the sentiment, calling the decision a “bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned move” made in the best interest of the people of Delta State.
“It was not about me or the governor, but about the need for us to connect to Abuja,” he told supporters.
The political realignment has been described as a major blow to the PDP and has sparked intense debates nationwide. Despite the shock, PDP leaders have downplayed the potential impact of the defections.
Vice President Shettima, leading the APC delegation, described the development as a “political tsunami” of unprecedented proportions, both for the South-South region and the nation.
“This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South sub-region and the history of Nigeria,” Shettima declared.
The mass defection is expected to reshape the political landscape in Delta State and could have far-reaching implications for the 2027 elections.
