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), describing it as an unprecedented shift in Nigeria’s political history.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the formal reception of the defectors and the entire PDP political structure in Delta State on Tuesday in Asaba, Tinubu noted that such a full-scale migration had never occurred before. The President emphasized that the move symbolized a major consolidation of political strength for the APC in the South-South region.
He urged the new entrants to take ownership of their roles in the APC and not feel like outsiders.
“From what you have been doing since you assumed office, which we have seen, you have been a progressive Governor. This 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 dream.”
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Shettima described the political shift as a “full house collapse” into the APC, setting a new benchmark in party realignment.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, praised the move as both historic and strategic for Delta’s development.
Governor Oborevwori said the decision to join the ruling party was made in the state’s best interest, while Okowa insisted his defection was no mistake, citing Delta’s long-standing marginalization at the federal level.
The event drew key APC figures including Festus Keyamo and Ovie Omo-Agege, reinforcing the significance of the political shift for the ruling party.
