In a seismic political shift, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and key PDP stakeholders have officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was announced Wednesday following a high-stakes meeting at Asaba’s Government House attended by the state’s political elite.
Commissioner for Works Charles Aniagwu framed the move as strategic realignment, stating: “The political temperature has changed – when the palm wine’s taste changes, we must adjust our drinking pattern.” He emphasized the decision resulted from months of consultations to ensure Delta’s continued development under what they now consider a more favorable political platform.
The emotional weight of the defection was palpable as pioneer PDP Chairman James Manager, a 25-year party stalwart, explained: “When a ship sinks, sentiment can’t keep you aboard.” The gathering included Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, federal/state lawmakers, and local government chairmen – marking the first dual defection of sitting and former governors from PDP since 1999.
Political analysts describe this as a tectonic shift in Niger Delta politics, effectively dismantling PDP’s last South-South stronghold ahead of 2027 elections. The mass defection follows months of internal PDP crises and gives APC unprecedented control over Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland.
Governor Oborevwori is expected to formally announce his new APC membership during a statewide address Thursday, with sources indicating immediate plans to integrate Delta’s political structure into the ruling party’s national framework. The move positions Delta for closer alignment with President Tinubu’s administration while raising questions about opposition cohesion in the region.
