The mass defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been described as a “political tsunami” by President Bola Tinubu. This monumental shift, which took place on Monday in Asaba, marks a historic turning point in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Speaking at the formal ceremony in Asaba, where Gov. Oborevwori and other prominent PDP figures officially joined the APC, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kassim Shettima, noted that no political movement in the country’s history could match the scale of this shift. He pointed out that the mass defection included members of the National Assembly, the State House of Assembly, 25 local government chairmen, 500 councillors, and the governor’s entire cabinet. This, Tinubu emphasized, was a monumental event in the South-South region, one that could not be overstated.
“A tsunami of this proportion has never happened before,” Tinubu remarked, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the event. “For all the members of the National Assembly, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, the governor, his cabinet, 25 Local Government Council Chairmen, 500 councillors are now members of the APC.”
The president expressed satisfaction with the defection, calling it a resounding endorsement of the APC’s policies and vision for the country. He further praised the unity that had been established between former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Oborevwori, describing Okowa as a great leader. Tinubu underscored the APC’s commitment to managing differences within the party, stressing that their tables have always been open to dialogue.
“You are not just in this house, you are now co-owners, according to the APC constitution,” Tinubu said to the new members, “The APC is not only stronger today, it is better because you have come with new ways of thinking, new mirrors through which we can reflect on our journey.”
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also praised the defections, calling the event historic. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his leadership, which has played a crucial role in the growing appeal of the APC. In a symbolic gesture, Ganduje handed over the APC flag to Gov. Oborevwori, pledging support from the presidency, APC governors, and party leaders.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also took the stage, stating that the decision by Oborevwori and the Delta PDP was a wise move aimed at promoting the state’s development. Uzodimma, who noted Oborevwori’s efforts to improve infrastructure in Delta, assured that the governor would receive full support from the 21 APC governors across the country.
In a candid statement, the former governor of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the move to the APC was a collective decision, marking the end of the state’s long tenure within the PDP. He noted that it was time for Delta to align with the government at the center, so as not to remain on the sidelines as the opposition.
Oborevwori, in his acceptance speech, reaffirmed that the movement to the APC was not merely a defection, but a strategic shift to join the ruling party. He highlighted that the state had never benefitted from remaining in opposition and that the move was a collective decision made at all levels of government, from the National Assembly to local governments.
“We have come to build a better future for Delta State and Nigeria,” Oborevwori said, adding that the president’s magnanimity towards the state had been a driving factor in this decision. He pledged to work hard to unify the APC in Delta and strengthen the party’s position within the state, calling the move a statement that other opposition states would soon follow.
