Tensions have erupted in Delta State following the defection of several former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The controversy stems from the defectors’ failure to formally resign from the PDP while attempting to register as APC members.
According to Vanguard, the APC’s ongoing membership registration in parts of the state got off to a rocky start. Ward leaders reportedly refused to register the defectors without written confirmation of their resignation from the PDP, leading to confusion and delays. In response, PDP members across various wards and local government chapters, who opposed the defection, held meetings over the weekend and pledged to rebuild the party.
The APC state leadership, led by Elder Omeni Sobotie, intervened by directing ward and local leaders to proceed with registering the new entrants without demanding proof of resignation. This move aimed to quell growing friction and accelerate the registration process.
Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, Chairman of the PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, confirmed to Vanguard that a new state caretaker executive would be established within a month. He noted that many loyal PDP members had reaffirmed their commitment to the party.
Despite the high-profile nature of the defection, Vanguard reports that many former PDP members remain hesitant to fully embrace the APC, citing longstanding rivalries and mutual distrust. “This coming together is not smooth yet. The old members are afraid of the new members, while the new members are just watching,” a source revealed.
APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, attempted to smooth over the transition by issuing a directive to eliminate all procedural hurdles. “All party functionaries at the grassroots, local government chairmen, and ward chairmen are hereby instructed to remove any bureaucratic bottlenecks that could hinder the seamless registration and integration of these new members,” he said.
In Ughelli North, APC Chairman Mr. Obakpororo Onoabedje acknowledged that although registration materials had been distributed, the exercise remained sluggish. “From skeletal reports, they are not forthcoming; they are foot-dragging. The process is very clumsy,” he admitted. Another source attributed the delay to uncertainty among the new entrants. “Many are sceptical. They don’t know what will happen next.”
Ogidi expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to recover, highlighting the enthusiasm among party loyalists. He said he had provided guidelines for forming caretaker committees and advised supporters to stay open to reorganization over the coming month.
The formal declaration of Oborevwori and Okowa’s defection, along with key PDP state structures, occurred last week in Asaba. At the event, Governor Oborevwori described the move as “a movement” rather than a mere political shift. “We held consultations at all levels—National Assembly, state, senatorial, local government, and ward. We agreed that we must all join,” he stated.
“This is Delta State—we cannot carry last. We’ve been in opposition for nearly 10 years. Do we need that? Mr. President has shown us love. We must reciprocate that love in 2027,” the governor added.
He further noted that PDP National Assembly members from the state had agreed to defect on the floor of the House, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which Oborevwori said complements his M.O.R.E. Agenda.
Although the PDP has vowed to challenge the defections in court, Vanguard reports that no legal action has been initiated. A member of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) confirmed that the party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, is still preparing the case.
“We’re focused on reclaiming our mandate. We plan to seek court declarations to vacate the seats of the defectors, in accordance with constitutional provisions,” the NWC member said. The delay in filing the suit was attributed to the May 1 public holiday and the lack of a follow-up meeting the following day.
