The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has minimized the significance of the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The two politicians and their entire political structure left the PDP on Wednesday, ending the party’s 26-year hold on power in Delta State.
The PDP had governed Delta State since the return to democracy in 1999.
In response to the development, during the presentation of a certificate of return to the PDP’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election at the party’s headquarters, acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum stated that the party has decided to leave its “fate in the hands of God.”
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While describing the situation as “very sad and unfortunate,” especially considering the PDP’s long-standing support for Delta, Damagum said, “we believe he will help us out of this great situation.”
He referenced Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, who left the PDP before the 2023 presidential election and still garnered millions of votes without the backing of a governor.
Damagum stated that the PDP remains resilient and prepared for the 2027 elections despite this setback.
It is important to remember, as previously stated, that reports of the defection are being contested, and that until official statements have been released, that the news could still change.
“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta. We gave them everything, supported for the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them.
“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he said.
“The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians.”
Damagum cautioned that although politicians might be induced to defect through pressure or convincing arguments, it is the everyday Nigerian, experiencing the negative effects of current economic policies, who will ultimately determine the results of future elections.
“Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering. This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves.”
He added that, “Policies are meant for people, no one else because you make policy and it’s not for the ordinary people.
“We will experience a lot of challenges but there is no challenge that is insurmountable. I thank God we are all people of faith.
“We know there is a limit to whatever one can do other than what God has designed. You may have your own tactics where you cannot outplay God. We leave our faith in the hands of God and we believe He will help us out of this great situation.”
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