Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a rally in Asaba, Tinubu hailed the move as a game-changer, noting that it marked the collapse of the PDP’s 26-year dominance in the oil-rich state.
Asaba, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “political tsunami” unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a rally in Asaba, Tinubu hailed the move as a game-changer, noting that it marked the collapse of the PDP’s 26-year dominance in the oil-rich state. He praised Okowa for fostering a strong relationship with his successor, saying their joint decision underscored political conviction over party identity.
“This is a political tsunami that has never happened before—where a sitting governor, his cabinet, senators, House of Representatives members, and over 500 councillors defect at once,” Tinubu said.
Oborevwori, addressing the crowd, said their decision was driven by love for Delta and a desire to align with the federal government. “We’ve been in the opposition for 10 years. Delta cannot be left behind. Mr. President has shown us love, and we must reciprocate,” he said.
He also dismissed reports of factionalism in Delta APC, assuring that the party would now operate as one united front. “There is no more faction. I am the governor and I will take charge.”
Former Governor Okowa emphasized that the switch to APC was in the state’s interest, not for personal gain. “It is about connecting to Abuja and accessing the goodwill our state deserves,” he noted.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, hailed the defection as a legacy move, describing Oborevwori as a progressive leader aligned with the party’s values.
Also speaking, Progressive Governors’ Forum Chair, Governor Hope Uzodimma, commended the infrastructural strides under Oborevwori, describing them as aligned with APC’s vision.
Former APC governorship candidate Chief Great Ogboru called the defection a turning point in Delta’s political history, predicting better governance through synergy with the federal government.
In contrast, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai dismissed the political weight of such defections. Speaking in Kano, he argued that high-profile defections are overhyped and hold little electoral significance. “Governors don’t determine election results, the people do,” he said.
El-Rufai, now in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), said his new party offers a credible alternative, free from godfatherism and internal crises. He vowed to build a mass movement anchored on grassroots participation and internal democracy.
He added that SDP’s focus is to reclaim politics from elites and restore power to ordinary Nigerians.
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