Delta State PDP Suffers Organization Crisis Following Oborevwori's Switch to APC - Keyamo's Perception
In a stunning turn of events, Delta State has seen a major political upheaval as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost its core following the mass defection of the party's leadership to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During an exclusive interview on Channels Television's Politics Today, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, didn't mince words when he declared, "The PDP knows they've lost something like their soul. Delta was like the soul of the PDP. Delta was one of the major funders of the PDP; they've lost it."
This macro-shift includes heavyweights like Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other prominent members such as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Emotimi Guwor.
Keyamo emphasized that this defection is not just a blow to the PDP but also a major boost for the APC, setting the stage for the party's growth and development ahead of 2027. He referred to the event as a "major political seismic activity."
The move, which effectively ended the PDP's more than two-decade reign in the oil-rich state, goes hand in hand with the aspirations of the people of Delta State, according to Keyamo. He explained, "It's a win for the people of Delta State first and foremost and a win for the Nigerian people as a whole, because it's always important for a state to align with the politics of the government at the centre."
Keyamo also addressed the significance of this realignment for the state, highlighting how it would enable Delta to align with the politics of the government at the federal level, which is essential for better governance.
In a significant show of support, Governor Oborevwori was officially welcomed into the APC by top chieftains of the party, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who also chairs the Progressive Governors' Forum.
Commenting on his decision to defect, Governor Oborevwori stated, "We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic."
Political Shifts: The Key Players
The defection of PDP leadership to the APC signals a seismic shift in Delta State's politics. The integration of numerous high-profile defectors may pose internal challenges for the APC, but managing these dynamics will be crucial to maintain unity and strength within the party.
The APC's structure in Delta State is now firmly under Governor Oborevwori's control, according to Festus Keyamo. This development is expected to shape future political calculations and elections in the state.
Former Governor Okowa cited the need to "connect" to Abuja as a reason for the defection, emphasizing unity under President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori to bolster Delta State's role in national politics.
Looking Ahead: The Implications
The APC's strengthened position in Delta State reflects a broader shift towards aligning with the central government to secure a stronger political and economic position for the state. The PDP, meanwhile, faces the challenge of rebuilding its influence and support base in the state. The upcoming 2027 elections will undoubtedly shed light on these shifts and their implications for the political landscape of Nigeria.
- Governor Oborevwori and other PDP leaders from Delta State have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a significant political shift in Nigeria.
- Festus Keyamo, APC's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, described the defection as a "major political seismic activity" that will boost the APC's growth and development.
- Keyamo emphasized that this move aligns with the aspirations of the people of Delta State and is crucial for the state to align with the politics of the government at the federal level for better governance.
- In a show of support, Governor Oborevwori was officially welcomed into the APC by top chieftains, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.
- Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa cited the need to connect with Abuja as a reason for defecting, emphasizing unity under President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori to bolster Delta State's role in national politics.
- The APC's structure in Delta State is now under Governor Oborevwori's control, according to Keyamo, and this development is expected to shape future political calculations and elections in the state.
- The PDP faces the challenge of rebuilding its influence and support base in Delta State, while the APC strengthens its position in preparation for the 2027 elections, which will shed light on these shifts and their implications for Nigeria's political landscape.
