Defection not to kill PDP, but to move Delta forward — Governor Oborevwori

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has clarified that his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not intended to destroy the PDP but to realign the state’s political direction in pursuit of development and electoral viability ahead of 2027.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a press briefing held in Asaba, the state capital, the governor emphasized that the strategic shift was driven by a pragmatic assessment of political realities and a commitment to delivering progress for Deltans.

“Our desire is not to kill PDP, but to move Delta forward. That’s why we changed our driving pattern,” Aniagwu said on behalf of the governor. “It was obvious that the PDP won’t make headway in the forthcoming 2027 election, and so there was a need to move to APC.”

Governor Oborevwori’s switch to the APC follows a broader political realignment in the state, which also saw former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was once Oborevwori’s running mate, and several other top PDP chieftains, defect to the ruling party.

Their defection has significantly altered the political landscape in Delta, once considered a PDP stronghold.

The governor maintained that the move was not about political rivalry but about ensuring continued development, saying that his administration remains focused on delivering tangible results to the people.

“In almost two years, we can see bold and remarkable achievements by Governor Oborevwori and his team,” Aniagwu noted. “We have provided roads in various communities, significantly reducing travel time from Asaba to Ughelli to just one hour and forty-five minutes.”

Addressing criticism from opposition voices and political analysts who have questioned the government’s capacity and motivations, Aniagwu dismissed such concerns as unfounded.

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“Anyone suggesting that the administration is losing grip is far from the truth. We remain committed to delivering results,” he asserted.

The governor’s realignment with the APC comes amid ongoing political jostling ahead of the 2027 general elections, where parties are repositioning themselves in anticipation of fierce electoral contests. Analysts say the defection of Oborevwori and key allies from PDP to APC could potentially shift the balance of power in Delta and parts of the South-South region.

However, the development has also sparked controversy within PDP circles, with party loyalists accusing defectors of abandoning the party for personal gain.

In response, Oborevwori’s camp insists the move was necessary to ensure effective governance and a realistic path to electoral victory.

As political tension simmers in the state, all eyes remain on the Delta government’s performance in the remaining years of its term — a period many believe will determine whether the realignment will bring the promised dividends or trigger deeper political divisions.