Defections: Delta gov, Atiku’s running mate, others join APC
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections, Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire leadership and membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection was formally announced on Wednesday in Asaba, […]
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections, Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire leadership and membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection was formally announced on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital, by former Senator James Manager and the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, following a marathon meeting of PDP leaders and stakeholders at the Government House that lasted over six hours.
“All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC,” Manager said.
“We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”
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Addressing the press earlier, Aniagwu confirmed the governor’s defection and said the decision was taken unanimously by the PDP leadership and stakeholders in Delta.
“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns. And in adjusting that drinking pattern, we needed to make a decision that would further help to cement the development in our state, to build the court of law that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and the welfare of our people, and to a large extent, ensure that development in Delta is not truncated,” Aniagwu said.
He added: “In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”
Aniagwu hinted that a formal public declaration would be made soon: “By the grace of God, on Monday next week, we will be able to make a very big statement confirming that we are moving into the APC.”
Why defection is significant in South-South
The move is widely regarded as a major turning point in the political landscape of Delta State and, by extension, the South-South geopolitical zone. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, Delta has been one of the strongest PDP strongholds, producing four successive PDP governors: Chief James Ibori (1999–2007), Emmanuel Uduaghan (2007–2015), Ifeanyi Okowa (2015–2023), and the incumbent Oborevwori.
Okowa, who served as vice-presidential candidate to Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 general elections, was a prominent figure in the PDP’s failed attempt to unseat the ruling APC. His defection is particularly significant given the ongoing efforts by Atiku to forge a united opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development draws comparisons with the 2019 elections, when Atiku’s running mate, Peter Obi, left the PDP ahead of the 2023 polls to pursue his presidential ambition under the Labour Party (LP), finishing a close third behind Atiku and Tinubu.
Delta, Nigeria’s second-richest state after Akwa Ibom by monthly federal allocation, also ranks as the second most electorally significant state in the South-South region, with 3,221,697 registered voters according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Only Rivers State has more registered voters in the zone, with 3,537,190.
The defection of the sitting governor, his predecessor, and the full PDP structure in the state is seen as a massive blow to the opposition party and may signal a broader shift in party allegiances in the region. Currently, the APC also governs Edo and Cross River, and there are reports that the suspended Rivers governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is considering defecting to the APC. The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has openly pledged support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, leaving Bayelsa as the only state in the zone loosely held by the PDP.
According to INEC’s official results of the 2023 presidential election in the South-South, Peter Obi of the Labour Party secured 1,210,675 votes (42.37 per cent), Bola Tinubu of the APC received 799,957 votes (27.99 per cent), while Atiku of the PDP polled 717,908 votes (25.12 per cent). At the time of the election, only Cross River State was under APC control. Rivers, though officially a PDP state, was led by then Governor Nyesom Wike—now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory—who backed the APC due to his falling-out with Atiku and the PDP leadership.
APC dismisses one-party state fears, blames weak opposition
Basiru also dismissed the accusation that the APC is engineering a one-party system in Nigeria.
“How can we turn Nigeria into a one-party state?” he asked. “The problem with Nigeria is that we don’t seem to have a serious opposition. You will not expect the ruling party to do their job for them. Go around the headquarters of all other political parties and see if there are any activities going on.”
Referring to the opposition’s claims of intimidation by state institutions, Basiru recalled the treatment meted out to Tinubu when he was Lagos governor under an opposition banner.
“When we were in the opposition, Tinubu was the only surviving governor in the South-West after the 2003 elections. The now National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said Tinubu was the most investigated governor by the EFCC. After leaving office, he was arraigned before the Code of Conduct Tribunal. He didn’t abandon the opposition. Instead, we went from one state to another to build our party.”
On accusations that the ruling party is using security agencies to hound the opposition, Basiru said: “It’s unfortunate when an opposition party begins to lie to itself and blames external forces for its internal collapse. The opposition has to take itself seriously if it wants to compete.”
Is EFCC’s N1trn probe of Okowa a motive for the defection?
The defection of the Delta PDP structure has triggered speculation that the move may be connected to the ongoing corruption probe of Okowa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Commentators suggest that the former governor’s defection could be a strategic attempt to seek protection amid an EFCC investigation into an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud. Although no charges have been filed against him, Okowa is being investigated for alleged diversion of funds during his administration between 2015 and 2023.
In November 2024, the EFCC arrested Okowa over allegations of misappropriating N1.3 trillion, primarily from the 13 per cent oil derivation funds allocated to Delta State. He is also accused of using N40 billion to acquire an 8 per cent equity stake in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and purchasing properties in Abuja and Asaba using state funds. Delta State’s Accountant-General, Joy Enwa, and other senior officials were also detained as part of the probe.
Okowa has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. He was later released on bail and surrendered his international passport as part of his bail conditions.
Reacting to the insinuations that Okowa’s EFCC troubles may have prompted the mass defection, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, dismissed the claim.
“It is not true,” Basiru said during an interview on Channels Television. “About 15 lawmakers from the PDP, Labour, SDP, and NNPP have joined our party. Many of them, including first-time lawmakers, have also defected. Do they all have EFCC cases hanging over them?”
Fintiri deny defection plot, Adeleke mum
The wave of defections in Delta and the earlier pledge of support for Tinubu’s re-election by Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno have intensified speculation of more PDP governors plotting an exit from the party.
Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa have been listed among those allegedly considering switching camps ahead of the next general election.
Fintiri, widely believed to have fallen out with PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, was said to have secured his re-election in 2023 without Atiku’s support. His close ties with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike—who has openly declared support for Tinubu—have further fuelled the rumours.
Atiku’s recent meetings with Fintiri’s political opponents in Adamawa, including Aisha Binani and Senator Elisha Abbo, have been seen as moves to sideline the governor within the PDP.
But when contacted, Fintiri’s Chief Press Secretary, Wonosiko Humwashi, denied any plans to defect.
“As far as we are concerned, we assure the people of Adamawa State that His Excellency, Governor Fintiri, is not leaving the PDP,” he said.
In Osun, the situation remains unclear. When reached, Adeleke’s Chief Press Secretary, Olawale Rasheed, promised to return the call but had not done so as of the time of filing this report.
While Adeleke has not openly endorsed Tinubu, his recent political gestures suggest a possible alignment. A new billboard in Iwo Local Government Area featuring both Tinubu and Adeleke has stirred political speculation.
The Osun APC has accused the PDP of trying to leverage Tinubu’s popularity to boost Adeleke’s re-election prospects.
Commenting on the development, political sociologist Professor Abubakar Umar Kari said: “Adeleke is just being politically smart. As an opposition governor in the South-West, he wants a second term. At the same time, he likely doesn’t want to offend what some call the ‘Yoruba agenda’—if such a thing exists. Or maybe he just doesn’t want Tinubu to move against him. That’s very possible, especially since his likely opponent would be Oyetola, a Tinubu loyalist and relative—his nephew, in fact. Unless there’s an undisclosed understanding between them, Adeleke may be hedging his bets.”
PDP mum as APC welcomes defectors
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
However, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has welcomed the defectors into its fold. In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC assured the governor and other incoming members of its full support.
“The party assures the governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family,” Morka said.
“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta State, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians.”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), also hailed the defection as a political turning point for Delta State.
Reacting via his X handle on Wednesday, Keyamo, a prominent APC figure from Delta, described the development as a long-anticipated victory for the party.
“Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally Delta is APC!” he posted.
He attributed the development to President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that it was his style and inclusive governance that attracted prominent politicians to the APC.
“Thank you, Mr President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our party,” he added.
In a further show of solidarity, Keyamo described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as his “leader and Governor”, commending him for what he called a “bold and visionary decision”.
“Thank you, my leader and Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision,” he said.However, key Delta politicians, including Senator Ned Nwoko and former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC governorship candidate, Ovie Omo-Agege, who had earlier declared that Oborevwori was not welcome in the APC, were yet to comment publicly on the defection.
Coalition can still dislodge APC in Delta – Umar Sani
Commenting, a chieftain of the PDP, Umar Sani, said that if the coalition efforts being championed by Atiku Abubakar succeed in bringing Peter Obi on board, they would easily dislodge the APC and its new entrants.
“Don’t forget that in the last presidential election, neither the APC nor PDP won in the state. Peter Obi’s Labour Party did. Which means, in a free and fair contest, the governor wouldn’t have risked defecting to the APC if he didn’t have some assurances. Because if the PDP now presents a very strong contender for that position, it’ll be a dog-eat-dog situation.”
On whether the PDP stands a chance of bouncing back in Delta, he said, “Definitely.
“After all, many have left and returned. Uduaghan left the PDP for the APC and came back. His exit now opens the field for other aspirants who have long fought for a chance to govern but haven’t succeeded. And from all indications, Deltans will come out en masse.”
He added, “If there’s a coalition and Obi is part of it—if PDP and Obi join forces—then Delta is within reach. Because the figures from the presidential election, and even the governorship poll, showed it wasn’t a clear-cut win for the PDP last time. So now, if the Labour Party and PDP unite for a common cause, you know, the game is over.”
Osun’s longest-serving PDP rep resigns membership
Meanwhile, the Member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has formally resigned from the PDP.
Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and a fifth-term lawmaker, submitted his resignation in a letter dated April 16, addressed to the PDP Ward 7 Chairman in Obokun Local Government Area.
The letter, obtained by our correspondent in Osogbo on Wednesday, stated that the decision followed consultations with constituents, political allies, family members, and friends. He noted that the resignation takes immediate effect.
While he did not indicate plans to join another political party, Oke urged the PDP to accept his decision in good faith.
Sources close to the lawmaker noted that Oke had recently been at odds with the PDP state leadership, leading to internal divisions within the party in his constituency.
We’re drifting towards one-party state, APC’ll implode – PDP reps
Some members of the House of Representatives have expressed concern over the recent wave of defections from the opposition to the ruling APC, warning that the country risks sliding into a one-party system.
Speaking to one of our reporters by telephone on Wednesday, the lawmakers offered mixed reactions to the development.
One PDP lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity via WhatsApp, described the ongoing defections as a dangerous trend.
“Every right-thinking person should be worried that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state,” he said.
Similarly, another PDP lawmaker, stated that the PDP is not alarmed by the defections. He maintained that while some members are leaving, others are also returning to the party.
Speaking off the record, he said the current wave of defections would eventually destabilise the APC.
Kawu Sumaila confirms own defection
The Senator representing Kano South, Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, has confirmed his defection from his political party, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the APC, saying the move was driven by his commitment to the welfare of his constituents.
Sumaila confirmed the development in a text message after he was contacted for clarification on an earlier post he made on his Facebook page.
“Yes, it is true. The rumours regarding my defection are accurate. All politics is local, and my primary concern has always been, and remains, the welfare of my immediate constituency,” he said.
He added that his decision was guided by the need to improve the lives of his people and ensure their long-term prosperity.
“I am resolutely determined to advance the lives of my people, ensuring their needs are met and their future is secured,” he said.
Daily Trust had earlier reported that Sumaila, along with former House of Representatives members Kabiru Alhassan Rurum and Ali Madakin Gini, met with the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, last week in preparation for their defection to the ruling party.
Additional reports by: Balarabe Alkassim (Abuja), Salim Umar Ibrahim (Kano) & Bassey Willie (Yenagoa)