You’re co-owners of APC, Shettima tells Oborevwori, Okowa

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally welcomed Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and their supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring them they are now co-owners of the ruling party. Last Wednesday, Oborevwori, Okowa, and several top figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State defected en […]

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally welcomed Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa and their supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring them they are now co-owners of the ruling party.

Last Wednesday, Oborevwori, Okowa, and several top figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State defected en masse to the APC.

Speaking at the formal reception ceremony in Asaba, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima emphasised unity and collaboration, declaring that the new entrants were not guests but full members of the APC.

“You are not guests in this house; you are now co-owners. This is as much your party as it is ours,” he said.

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Describing the event as a “Testimony to the enduring promise” of the APC, Shettima praised the significance of their decision, noting that “The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the enthusiasm of its members, but in the conviction it inspires among those who once opposed it.”

Earlier, APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje presented the APC flag and a broom — the party’s symbol — to Governor Oborevwori, formally welcoming him into the fold. He promised that more opposition figures will soon join the party.

Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Governor Oborevwori insisted that the movement was not just a defection but a strategic repositioning involving all stakeholders in Delta State.

He said Delta could no longer afford to remain in the opposition, stressing the need to align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“All our members in the National Assembly have agreed that when plenary resumes, they will defect on the floor of both chambers. All state and ward executives, as well as representatives at all levels, will move with us. We want to be part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Oborevwori said, assuring there would be no factions within the Delta APC.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa also spoke, saying the decision was made in the best interest of the state and its people.

“We need to connect to the centre to attract greater democratic dividends. This move is in the best interest of our state, and I believe great results will come from it,” Okowa said, pledging full support for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.

Among the dignitaries present were Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Usman Ododo (Kogi) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi).

Other key figures included deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Minister of Regional Development Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu; and former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

 

Bafarawa speaks

Meanwhile, former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has declared that genuine opposition politics no longer exists in Nigeria, with self-interest now driving political activity.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Bafarawa lamented that politicians are merely fighting for positions rather than working to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Reacting to the recent wave of defections from opposition parties to the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, he said the moves are motivated by selfish interests, not the common good.

“Today’s so-called opposition is every man for himself,” he said. “They ask: ‘What can I gain?’ If one door closes, they shamelessly find another without any fear or shame.”

Bafarawa criticised politicians for abandoning ideology, accusing them of prioritising personal ambition over public service. “There is no real opposition anymore,” he said. “Once they get what they want, the idea of opposition disappears, and the masses are left to fend for themselves.”

He also questioned the motives behind the fierce battles for political office, asking: “These offices they are fighting over — they have held them before. What did they achieve then that now makes them desperate to return?”

Addressing the northern region’s challenges, Bafarawa warned of the dangers of widespread ignorance, blaming a lack of education for the region’s persistent underdevelopment.

“Here in the North, honestly, about 70% of our youth have no education. How can a country or region develop without education?” he asked.

He further noted that the impoverishment of the masses has made them vulnerable, particularly during elections.

“If you blame the poor for accepting money to vote, it’s not entirely their fault. They have been abandoned — no jobs, no livelihood. Meanwhile, the politicians have grown wealthy off public office,” he said.

Bafarawa concluded that the current political atmosphere demands speaking out, adding, “The situation has gone beyond patience or bitterness. Silence is no longer an option.”