Delta Leaders Jump Ship to APC: PDP Chairman's Take
Delta State's Surprise Defection
APC vs Nigeria: Damagum views 2027 as unfortunate amidst Okowa's defection and Oborevwori's sadness
In a shocking turn of events, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and former Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the PDP's 2023 vice-presidential candidate, made headlines as they switched to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Chairman's Initial Thoughts
Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, expressed his sentiment about the defections for the first time during the presentation of the certificate of return to the party's governorship candidate for the November 8 election in Anambra State, Ambassador Jude Ezenwafor. He was taken aback, expressing expectations that Delta state would remain loyal to the PDP, given the party's kindness towards the state.
Optimistic about 2027
Despite the defections, Damagum remains hopeful about the PDP's chances in the 2027 polls. He believes that elections are a matter for Nigerians, not just a battle between political parties.
APC vs the People
Emphasizing the People's Power, Damagum emphasized that the number of governors won't determine the election's outcome, using Peter Obi's strong performance in the 2023 election as an example. He accused President Bola Tinubu of using coercion and manipulation to attract PDP members to the APC and criticized the current government's hard policies that lead to suffering among Nigerians.
"So I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that this election is theirs. It is APC versus Nigerians. It is not APC versus any governor or senator, but APC versus Nigerians.
"We know there is a limit to what one can do beyond what God has designed. You may have your own tactics, but you cannot outplay God. We leave our fate in the hands of God, and we believe He will help us out of this great situation," Damagum said.
Bulldozing Anambra 2025
Optimistic about the PDP's chances in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Damagum encouraged the party's candidate to remain committed and resilient.
"I know it is not easy, but your commitment, belief, and sincerity will see us through this election. Victory will be yours.
"I want to encourage you. You have started well. From the evolution of the state executive to your emergence as our candidate, I believe you need to go back and consolidate. I'm going to make sure that everyone is back on board. I assure you of our total support and commitment," he added.
PDP vs APC in the Heart of the Delta
The defection of the entire Delta PDP structure to the APC is considered a significant blow to the PDP, boosting APC's political weight and potentially enhancing President Tinubu's re-election chances in Delta State. Atiku Abubakar, the PDP's 2023 presidential candidate, has acknowledged that defections are part of politics.
Sources:
- APC vs PDP in Delta State
- Former Senate President Reacts to Delta Defection
- Impact of Delta Defection on PDP's Fortunes
- Atiku Abubakar on Defection
- The unexpected switch of Delta State's Governor and former Governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked discourse in Nigerian politics, causing a stir in the upcoming 2023 elections and beyond.
- Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman of the PDP, has voiced his concerns over the defections, questioning the loyalty of Delta State despite the party's support in the past.
- Damagum remains optimistic about the PDP's prospects in the 2027 polls, asserting that elections are a matter for Nigerians, not just a contest between political parties.
- He criticized the current government for its hard policies, leading to suffering among Nigerians, and accused President Bola Tinubu of using coercion and manipulation to attract PDP members to the APC.
- Labeling the election as "APC versus Nigerians," Damagum emphasized the power resides with the people, citing Peter Obi's strong performance in the 2023 election as an example.
- Despite the challenging political landscape, Damagum expressed faith in the PDP's Anambra governorship candidate, encouraging him to maintain his commitment and sincerity for victory in the 2025 elections.
- The departure of the entire Delta PDP structure to the APC is seen as a significant advantage for the APC, potentially bolstering President Tinubu's re-election chances in Delta State.
- Atiku Abubakar, the PDP's 2023 presidential candidate, has acknowledged that defections are an intrinsic part of politics, demonstrating a certain level of understanding and acceptance in the face of these high-profile shifts.
