EFFURUN, DELTA STATE — Political tension is rising in Delta State amid growing speculation that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori may be preparing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rumours gained momentum over the weekend after the governor made a surprise appearance at a meeting of Delta Ijaw APC stakeholders in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. His presence at the gathering, which featured prominent APC leaders and enthusiastic party supporters, has further fueled talk of an imminent political realignment.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, attendees can be seen chanting “On your mandate we shall stand,” a rallying cry often associated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Leading the meeting was High Chief Michael Johnny, a prominent APC figure in the region, who confidently declared that Oborevwori’s move to the APC was only a matter of time.
“Sheriff is coming to APC. Forget what you hear on social media,” Johnny stated. “We, the Ijaw people, are ready to receive him whenever he decides to make it official.”
Johnny also noted that several defections had already occurred within the PDP’s Delta South Ijaw bloc, describing the wave of new APC members as a “significant shift” in local politics.
The meeting was attended by key figures within the Delta APC, including Raymos Guana, High Chief Mike Seikegba, Mr. Joe Ekiyor, Sir Theodore Ezonfade, Chief Davi Omare, Ebitonmo A. Alapala, Chief Promise Lawuru, Wurus Fortune, Engr. Joseph Izonowei Sozaowei, and Comrade Blackman Edisemi Mule.
In response to questions about internal party unity, Johnny dismissed reports of factionalism within the Delta APC.
“We are not part of any faction. We stand united behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas,” he said.
A vote of confidence was passed in support of the party’s national leadership, with attendees commending the federal government’s efforts in promoting development across the Niger Delta, particularly the inclusion of Delta South natives in key federal appointments.
With the next election cycle looming, the political landscape in Delta State appears poised for significant change, should the governor’s rumoured defection come to pass.
