President Bola Tinubu has hailed the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most significant political shift ever witnessed in Nigeria.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the official reception held today in Asaba for the governor, Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state, the President emphasized the unprecedented nature of the defection. He noted that it was the first time a sitting governor had moved to another party with the full backing of his previous party’s entire structure — from the ward level to state and national leadership, including both elected and appointed officials.
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President Tinubu urged Oborevwori, Okowa, and their numerous supporters to see themselves not as newcomers but as co-owners of the APC, fully invested in the collective mission of building the Nigerian project.
He received backing from APC National Chairman Suleiman Ganduje, the President’s Senior Special Adviser; the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, as well as the Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma.
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“It happened to be the first of its kind that a full house would collapse into another party,” he said.
He praised the governor for what he called “a courageous move” and applauded Okowa, the PDP’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, for maintaining a harmonious relationship with his successor.
Shettima said:
From what you have been doing since you assumed office, which we have seen, you have been a progressive Governor. Your official defection has made you the leader of the party in the state. You are not tenants in the party but co-owners and together we shall be a Nigeria of our dreams.
Ganduje described the defection as both historic and patriotic, saying it strategically positions the state for enhanced performance.
In his address, Governor Oborevwori stated that the oil-rich Delta State could no longer afford to remain in the opposition, describing his defection to the APC as a “patriotic move made in the best interest of the state.”
He pledged to work diligently to address any grievances within the newly expanded APC family.
Former Governor Okowa also expressed confidence in his decision to join the APC, insisting it was not a mistake. He pointed out that despite being a major contributor to the national economy, Delta State had spent over a decade playing a secondary role at the federal level.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former Deputy Senate President, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege; and other prominent figures.
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