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), stating that electoral strength doesn’t solely depend on political heavyweights.
Oborevwori, Okowa, and their entire political structure officially left the PDP on Wednesday, ending the party’s 26-year dominance in Delta State since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
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Speaking at the PDP national headquarters during the presentation of the certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra election, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, called the defection “sad and unfortunate,” especially considering the party’s consistent support for Delta State over the years. However, he expressed confidence that the PDP would overcome the setback, saying, “We leave our fate in God’s hands and trust that He will guide us through this situation.”
Damagum highlighted that even without the backing of any governor, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi secured millions of votes in the 2023 general elections after leaving the PDP. He used this to emphasize that electoral victories aren’t determined solely by political alliances.
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“If there’s any state we didn’t expect this from, it’s Delta. We gave them everything—our full support, including for the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate. But this is not the end for us. Peter Obi had no governor behind him and yet got millions of votes,” Damagum noted.
He asserted that the 2027 general elections wouldn’t be about how many governors a party has, but rather about the performance of the ruling APC and how its policies have impacted everyday Nigerians. “The real contest in 2027 will be APC versus Nigerians. People are suffering, and these economic challenges are not accidental—they are the results of deliberate policies.”
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Damagum warned that while political defections might be achieved through pressure or persuasion, the ultimate decision lies with the people, who are bearing the brunt of current economic conditions. “Policies are not made for governors or senators—they are made for the people. And today, the people are in pain. Nigerians will rise to defend themselves.”
He concluded by urging party members to remain strong in faith and resilient in the face of challenges. “There’s no challenge that is beyond God. We trust in
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