In a seismic shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, all Delta State House of Representatives members elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following the lead of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
The defections, announced by Speaker of the House Tajudeen Abbas during plenary on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, mark a near-total collapse of the PDP’s structure in Delta State, a long-standing stronghold since 1999.
The Defectors and Their Motives
The defecting representatives include Victor Onyemaechi Nwokolo (Ika North East/Ika South), Julius Gbabojor Pondi (Burutu), Thomas Ereyitomi (Warri North/Warri South/Warri South West), and Nicholas Ebomo Mutu (Bomadi/Patani). Their move follows the mass defection of Delta’s PDP leadership, announced on April 23, 2025, after a marathon closed-door meeting at Government House, Asaba.
The meeting, attended by Governor Oborevwori, former Governor Okowa, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders, resolved to dissolve the PDP’s state structure into the APC.
Governor Oborevwori, speaking at a rally on April 28, 2025, at the Cenotaph in Asaba, described the move as a “movement” rather than a defection, emphasizing alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s administration for Delta’s development. “We cannot face [Tinubu] in 2027 to work against him,” he said, citing the need to tap into federal resources and goodwill.
Former Governor Okowa, the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, echoed this, stating the decision was for the “common good” of Delta State, highlighting the necessity of connecting with Abuja to avoid the resource losses he experienced during his 2015–2023 tenure.
The defections are widely seen as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, with Delta’s political heavyweights seeking to bolster Tinubu’s re-election bid and secure federal patronage.
However, speculations have swirled that Okowa’s ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe into alleged N1 trillion corruption may have pressured the move, a claim dismissed by APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru.
A Broader Political Realignment
The Delta defections are part of a broader wave of PDP exits, with House of Representatives member Ikenga Ugochinyere (Ideato, Imo State) claiming two more PDP governors and 40 lawmakers are poised to defect.
This follows earlier defections by figures like former Senate President Pius Anyim and Kaduna’s Muktar Ramalan Yero.
The APC, led by National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, has welcomed the Delta defectors, with Vice President Kashim Shettima formally receiving them at the Asaba rally.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, stated that Delta, now an “APC state,” is positioned to contribute to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the move has faced resistance within the APC. Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, a key APC figure in Delta, had opposed Oborevwori and Okowa’s entry as early as February 2025, arguing they were “not welcome” and should remain in the PDP.
Omo-Agege, who claimed APC’s dominance in Delta with two senatorial and two House seats in 2023, predicted further PDP defections but drew a line at the state’s top leaders.
This internal friction may complicate APC’s cohesion in Delta, with potential rifts over the 2027 governorship race.
PDP’s Response and Saraki’s Optimism
The PDP has reacted sharply, demanding that Oborevwori vacate his seat and instructing its national legal adviser to pursue legal action to reclaim its mandate, citing violations of the Electoral Act.
The party faces a crisis, having lost its grip on Delta, a state it dominated for 26 years through governors James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Okowa, and Oborevwori.
Former PDP Deputy National Chairman Olabode George called for the expulsion of Atiku Abubakar and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for alleged anti-party activities, signaling internal turmoil.
Despite the setbacks, former Senate President Bukola Saraki remains optimistic about the PDP’s future.
In a statement on April 24, 2025, Saraki acknowledged the Delta defections but urged calm, stating, “There is no cause for alarm. We’ll reposition PDP.” He emphasized that those wishing to leave are free to do so, expressing confidence in the party’s ability to rebuild and remain a viable opposition ahead of 2027.
Public Sentiment and Criticism
Public reaction, as seen in posts on X, reflects shock and division. Users like @abdullahayofel and @ChuksEricE highlighted the scale of the defections, with some celebrating APC’s gains and others lamenting the PDP’s collapse.
Critics, including Victor Ojei, a former aide to Oborevwori who resigned post-defection, labeled the move a “political coup” and a betrayal of Delta’s people, warning of a looming APC monopoly.
Ojei’s Young Nigerian Rights Organisation called for resistance against the “APC-PDP unholy alliance,” reflecting grassroots discontent.
What you should know
The mass defections have reshaped Delta’s political landscape, effectively dismantling the PDP’s dominance in the South-South. With Delta contributing roughly 1.4 million votes, the APC’s grip strengthens Tinubu’s 2027 prospects.
However, internal APC dynamics, particularly Omo-Agege’s opposition, and legal challenges from the PDP could create uncertainties. The defections also raise questions about democratic accountability, as elected officials switch parties mid-term, potentially undermining voter mandates.
For the PDP, the loss of Delta is a severe blow, weakening its position as the main opposition. Saraki’s call for repositioning will test the party’s resilience, especially as other governors, like Osun’s Ademola Adeleke and Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri, face defection rumors (though Adeleke has denied such plans).
The coming months will reveal whether the PDP can recover or if the APC’s momentum will trigger further defections in the South-South and beyond.
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