Jonathan Ikpeba
In a major political shake-up, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa and the entire structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Asaba, the state capital, by Senator James Manager after a high-level meeting that lasted over six hours at Government House.
“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 declared. “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, confirmed the development, noting that the decision was driven by the collective desire to reposition Delta State for sustained growth and progress.
“There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns,” Aniagwu remarked, using a local metaphor. “In doing so, we needed to make a decision that would further cement development in our state — to build on the judicial, security, and welfare foundations already laid, and ensure Delta’s progress is not truncated.”
He likened the current state of the PDP to “palm wine whose taste has changed,” adding, “there was a need for us to change the drinking party.”
Aniagwu emphasized that the decision was unanimously reached by party stakeholders and hinted at a formal public declaration scheduled for the coming week.
“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,” he said.
The mass defection is poised to significantly alter the political landscape of Delta State and potentially the wider South-South region, as the APC gains a stronger foothold in an area long dominated by the PDP.
