The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has downplayed the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite it marking the end of the PDP’s 26-year dominance in the state.
Oborevwori and Okowa, along with their entire political structure, left the PDP on Wednesday, effectively ending the party’s uninterrupted rule in Delta State since the return to democracy in 1999. Delta, often referred to as the “Big Heart,” had been a PDP stronghold for over two decades.
Responding to the development at the party’s headquarters during the presentation of a certificate of return to its Anambra governorship candidate, the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Ilyas Damagum, said the party is placing its trust in divine guidance as it faces this political setback.
Describing the situation as “very sad and unfortunate,” Damagum expressed disappointment, especially considering the party’s unwavering support for Delta over the years. He, however, remained optimistic that the PDP would recover. “We believe He will help us out of this great situation,” he said.
Drawing on past experiences, Damagum pointed to the example of Labour Party’s Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, noting that Obi achieved considerable electoral success without the backing of any state governor. “Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he noted.
He assured supporters that the PDP remains determined and ready to contest the 2027 elections, regardless of recent defections. “If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta. We gave them everything, supported the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them,” Damagum stated.
He continued, “This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes.”
According to him, the next election will not be defined by party structures alone, but by the current state of the country and the wellbeing of its people. “The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians.”
He warned that while defections can be achieved through pressure or persuasion, the suffering masses would ultimately determine the outcome. “Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering. This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves,” he concluded.
About The Author
