Shettima, Ganduje, governors to receive Oborevwori into APC
Today, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, other elected officials and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from ward to state will be received into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oborevwori, who dumped the leading opposition party last week, will get the broom, symbol of the ruling party, from Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, at the Cenotaph, the venue of the historic rally.
Ganduje arrived in Asaba yesterday and held a series of meetings with defecting officials and Oborevwori.
The defection is a big event – described as a political Tsunami by observers – because Delta had been a PDP state since 1999.
Ganduje arrived in Asaba yesterday and held a series of meetings with defecting officials and Oborevwori.
The defection is a big event – described as a political Tsunami by observers – because Delta had been a PDP state since 1999.
Twenty-one APC governors and leaders are expected at the event.
As of 6pm yesterday, no fewer than 10 governors had arrived in the state capital.
These are: Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) chairman Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), AbdulRaheem AbdulRasaq (Kwara), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dikko Raddah (Katsina) and Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe).
Former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, was among the national leaders who also arrived in Asaba last night.
The venue was looking resplendent, decorated with APC flags and different banners fluttering at strategic locations.
The unprecedented defection sent a shockwave across the country last week.
Apart from Oborevwori, other key PDP leaders who would be received into the APC are former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the 2023 presidential poll; Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, Senator James Manager, commissioners and special advisers, state and federal lawmakers, chairmen of local government and councillors, and state local government and ward chairmen.
Many APC leaders, including Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Olorogun Otega Emerhor; former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas (Delta South); and his Delta Central counterpart, Sen. Ede Dafinone, applauded the defection.
Delta APC urged members to turn up en masse to receive the defectors with open arms.
It said the defection signals a new era of consolidation and growth for the chapter ahead of future elections.
It urged the party faithful to massively mobilise supporters for the ceremony.
The Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, in a statement, described the defection as a landmark event, which has shattered the political firmament of the state.
He said: “It marks a new dawn for the progressive family in Delta State and symbolises unity, inclusivity and our collective commitment to the growth and development of our dear Delta State under the leadership and guidance of our amiable governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as he charts a new course for the destiny of the state through the M.O.R.E. agenda, in conjunction with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who was the APC governorship candidate in 2023, welcomed Oborevwori to the party.
He lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “political sagacity and visionary leadership.”
Omo-Agege said in a statement that the issues arising from the defection were being addressed “with prudence and foresight” following consultations with the APC national leadership, the Progressive Governors Forum, and local stakeholders.
Urging party members to storm the rally, he said: “This is a moment for unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.”
He said the defection “reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.”
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, in a statement by his media aide, Ike Abiagom, said Delta “APC family welcomes Governor Oborevwori and other PDP leaders into its fold,” describing their decision as a significant boost to the party’s strength and structure across the state.
He said the political realignment would bolster President Tinubu’s re-election campaign, adding that it is a game-changer.
Lauding Oborevwori for his courage, Nwaoboshi maintained that the defection signified a turning point for governance and political collaboration.
He urged APC members to embrace the new members with open arms, stressing that unity within the party would be crucial for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
Okotete hails Delta governor
Executive Director (Business Development), NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, expressed excitement at the defection, saying that it would strengthen the party and enhance its chances of achieving greater success in future polls.
Okotete said in a statement: “This momentous decision marks not just a political transition, but a bold affirmation of vision, courage, and commitment to the development of Delta State through inclusive, progressive governance.
“Your Excellency, your entry into the APC is a powerful testament to our party’s rising influence and capacity to unite all well-meaning leaders under one formidable umbrella of growth and transformation.
“As we welcome the Governor and all the PDP members in Delta State into our fold, I call on every APC member—leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters alike—to embrace this new era with open arms and renewed purpose.