Mick Oseji, Asaba
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori may be on his way to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Centre ahead of the 2027 general elections although his aides have denied this repeatedly.
But chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the oil bearing Delta State, think otherwise.
A group known going by the name, Concerned Leaders of PDP in Delta State has hinted at the governor’s likely departure to APC, fuelling concerns that all may healthy politically anymore for the state chapter of the PDP.
In a statement signed by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyo, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome, and Mr. Ezekiel Chukwudi, they reckoned Governor Oborevwori’s moves to pitch tent with the APC as a “seasonal transfer market.”
They cited the recent visit to Ghana by the Governor during the inaugurating of the country’s new President which had President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in attendance as clue among others suggesting that Oborevwori is preparing to switch political allegiances.
“The Governor has positioned himself strategically to leave his old club and join a new one. He has been in discussions with team managers of his preferred party, and it’s only a matter of time before the move is finalized,” the statement read.
Continuing, the group said: “Reports of Governor Oborevwori’s planned defection have gained traction despite denials from his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, and PDP State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; their dismissive responses, however, fail to convince party members who point to clear signs of his alignment with APC leaders, including a recent controversial trip to Ghana.
“Governor Oborevwori’s sudden decision to settle entitlements of APC lawmakers after months of withholding payments further stokes speculation of his defection plans; this gesture appears to pave the way for a smooth transition to the APC.
“The governor’s trip to Ghana, allegedly to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raises critical concerns: was it an official engagement authorized on behalf of Delta state when the President was there to represent the entire federation?
“What diplomatic ties justify Delta state governor’s attendance at Ghana’s presidential inauguration that had Nigeria’s President in attendance, if not for the purpose of smoothening his exit plans to join APC?
“Governor Oborevwori owes the PDP and Delta citizens clarity on these issues, particularly given the lack of accountability surrounding his actions.
“We, the Concerned Leaders of the PDP, Delta State, strongly condemn this betrayal of trust; Governor Oborevwori’s potential defection undermines the party that propelled him to power and risks destabilizing PDP’s future in the state.
“We urge all PDP members to remain vigilant and take their political destiny into their hands; Governor Oborevwori must address these concerns transparently or face the consequences of his actions,” they added.
But in a statement in Asaba by the state chapter of APC, its Publicity Secretary, Mr Valentine Onojeghuo, said it is bothered by the development.
The statement read, “While we respect the political rights of any individual to associate with a party of their choice, we want to state for the purpose of clarity that the Delta APC is not in any way concerned by this development given the abysmal performance of the governor since assumption of office, nor do we see it as a significant shift in the political landscape of our state.
“It is on record that Governor Oborevwori’s tenure has been marred by widespread instances of underperformance, mismanagement, and poor governance, having failed woefully to deliver any tangible development for the people of Delta State, despite the humongous federal allocations of over N500 billion that accrue to the state monthly.
“Deltans are disillusioned, and their disappointment in the current administration is palpable. Delta APC has always stood for progress, good governance, and a better future for the people of Delta, and we remain committed to these ideals.”
APC stated it is unfazed by the government’s exaggerated claims of progress and emphasised the need for capable, people-focused leadership to achieve true development.
“It is the Delta APC’s firm belief that true progress and sustainable development will only come when those who have proven their capability and commitment to the welfare of the people-qualities that are presently lacking are at the helm of affairs in the state.
“It is the strong conviction of our great party that the people of Delta State are more concerned with the sustainable development of our state through effective leadership than with the changing allegiances of those who have failed to live up to expectations.
“The focus of Delta APC remains squarely on our mission to bring about the change that Delta State deserves—a change that is grounded in honesty, accountability, and visionary leadership,” the statement concluded.
While we appreciate the enthusiasm of any individual, including the governor, seeking to align with the APC due to the developmental strides of President Bola Tinubu, our focus remains clear, the APC remarked.
According to Onojeghuo, the APC’s priority is ensuring that Delta State “fully benefits from the renewed hope wave of leadership that prioritises the people, tackles underdevelopment, and unlocks the state’s immense potential.”
He said Delta APC will continue to build on its foundational ideals of progress, development, and inclusive governance and is not interested in political opportunism, the shifting of party affiliations for personal political gains, or the desperate attempt of internally displaced politicians who are seeking redemption for their failures.
