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  • APC hails Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection

    APC hails Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection

    The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended Delta Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for ditching the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the governing party.

    The party also hailed the defection of former PDP Vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, with eminent leaders, Assembly members and senior officials of the PDP to APC. 

    Reacting to the development,  APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday said the party’s highest administrative organ was highly elated by the Governor’s decision with other PDP chieftains to join the ruling party.

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    The statement reads: “The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, is highly elated by the decision of the Governor of Delta state, His Excellency Sheriff Oborevwori, to join our great Party, along with eminent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including former Governor of Delta state and vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, His Excellency Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, senior administration officials, leaders and members of the House of Assembly, local government chairmen and councilors in the state, and teeming leaders and  members of the PDP. 

    “Our great Party welcomes this important development, and assures the Governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family.  

    “With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika federal constituency, we are delighted that Delta state, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians.”

  • 2027: Oborevwori’s defection to APC was a collective decision – James Manager

    2027: Oborevwori’s defection to APC was a collective decision – James Manager

    Pioneer Chairman of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator James Manager, has shed light on the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as the outcome of extensive internal consultations within the party.

    Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a PDP stakeholders meeting at the Government House in Asaba, Sen. Manager revealed that the decision followed months of deliberations among key party figures.

    “Consultations have been ongoing for quite some time now. What you are witnessing today is the culmination of those deliberations,” he said. “We’ve had intense discussions — some of them contentious — but we eventually reached a near-unanimous consensus driven by the prevailing mood in the party.”

    Reflecting on his own ties to the PDP, Manager, who served as the party’s first state chairman, admitted the decision was difficult but necessary.

    “You cannot remain in a boat that is clearly capsizing,” he said. “As a liberal-minded person, I’ve tried to view the situation objectively, and the current realities have made it clear — it’s time to chart a new course.”

    Manager also pointed to the large turnout at the meeting as evidence that the move had wide support among PDP stakeholders.

    “As you can see from the mammoth crowd around you, this is not a solo decision. It reflects a shared vision among us.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Delta Governor Oborevwori dumps PDP, defects to APC

    “It is a collective one, made for many reasons — reasons which I may not delve into at this moment.”

    “That said, I will stop here and welcome any questions you may have on this matter. We are ready to provide answers as best as we can.”

    The defection marks a major turning point in Delta State politics and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s structure and influence in the region.

    Gov. Oborewori’s defection on Wednesday, along with the entire PDP structure in the Delta State, brings an end to weeks of speculations about his intention to dump the party on whose platform he came to office.

  • UPDATED: Delta Gov Oborevwori defects from PDP to APC

    UPDATED: Delta Gov Oborevwori defects from PDP to APC

    Delta State Governor Chief Sheriff Oborevwori has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The announcement was made on Wednesday at a press briefing following a gathering of PDP leaders and stakeholders in Asaba.

    Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Communications, Charles Aniagwu, stated that the decision to defect was reached unanimously by the party’s leaders and stakeholders, emphasising the importance of this move for the overall development of the state.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Delta Governor Oborevwori dumps PDP, defects to APC

    He stated that a “significant announcement” concerning the PDP’s transition to the APC will be made by Monday.

    He clarified that consultations had been ongoing, which led to the defection.

    He emphasised that the change was due to “the state of politics in the PDP”, pointing out that the decision was reached collectively, rather than being an individual choice.

  • BREAKING: Delta Governor Oborevwori dumps PDP, defects to APC

    BREAKING: Delta Governor Oborevwori dumps PDP, defects to APC

    Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The announcement came on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Asaba.

    Confirming the move, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said the decision came after “wide consultations with political stakeholders and in the interest of Delta’s long-term development.”

    Governor Oborevwori, who was elected on the PDP platform in 2023, was officially received into the APC by senior party officials.

    Political observers have described the move as a major realignment that could reshape the political landscape of Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While Governor Oborevwori has yet to make a public statement on the defection, sources say further details on the rationale behind the move may emerge in the coming days.

  • Delta 2027: APC can win without Oborevwori

    Delta 2027: APC can win without Oborevwori

    • By George Urhie

    Delta State’s political landscape is shifting ahead of the 2027 elections, amid rumours of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite his claims that “Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta”.

    Oborevwori’s bid to join the APC, seemingly on bended knees in Abuja, appears driven by a promise to deliver Delta State to President Bola Tinubu.  Nevertheless, his track record suggests self-preservation is the real motive.

    Oborevwori’s motivations appear to be centred on securing his political future, evading accountability for the PDP’s alleged misuse of state resources, and shielding Senator Ifeanyi Okowa from potential prosecution over the alleged mismanagement of N1.3 trillion in 13 per cent derivation funds meant for oil-producing communities.

    Driven by fear of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC governorship candidate in 2023, Oborevwori is making a desperate move to block Omo-Agege’s path to the APC governorship ticket, after his previous strategy to undermine Omo-Agege by funding infighting within the Delta APC backfired spectacularly.

    The governor views Omo-Agege as an insurmountable obstacle to his re-election ambitions, prompting this last-ditch effort to join the APC.

    Besides, Oborevwori’s leadership style would severely undermine the APC’s efforts to bring meaningful change to Delta State and foster progress. His defection would betray not only the Delta progressives who built the APC from the ground up but also the electorate, who want change.

    By joining the APC, Oborevwori would consolidate power, potentially turning Delta State into a one-party state under Okowa’s influence, undermining political diversity and democratic processes.

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    This would likely elicit massive revolt, leading to loss of trust, electoral backlash, and internal party turmoil, ultimately detracting from the APC’s electoral prospects.

    The 2023 presidential election results in Delta State suggest that the PDP is becoming unpopular. The results cast doubt on Oborevwori’s ability to deliver the state to President Tinubu in 2027. Despite having Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate, Atiku suffered a 73 per cent loss in the state.

    Furthermore, Oborevwori’s performance was lacklustre, with losses in two out of three senatorial districts. The PDP also ceded all three House of Representatives seats in the Delta Central Senatorial District to the APC and the Labour Party (LP).

    Additionally, Oborevwori lost the popular vote in his senatorial district (Delta Central) to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy President of the Senate and APC governorship candidate in 2023.

    The APC’s strong performance in the district extended to the House of Assembly elections, where the party secured five seats, surpassing the PDP’s four seats. Even Governor Oborevwori’s victory in the governorship election was marred by allegations of rigging and electoral malpractices.

    These decisive losses in 2023 underscore PDP’s waning influence in Delta State and the lack of confidence in Oborevwori’s leadership. This has not changed. Consequently, it is unlikely that Deltans would support President Tinubu solely because of Oborevwori’s presence in the APC. Instead, his defection might be perceived as a desperate attempt to eliminate vibrant opposition in the state.

    This would make it impossible for Oborevwori to deliver Delta State for President Tinubu.

    The APC is strategically strengthening its presence in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation, and effective messaging.

    This approach is yielding results, with over 60 per cent of PDP members, including high-profile figures like Senator Ned Nwoko and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, defecting to the APC.

    As the party’s momentum gains traction, its optimism about securing both the presidential and governorship elections in 2027 appears well-founded, making Oborevwori’s potential defection unnecessary.

    Interestingly, Oborevwori has the right of first refusal to the PDP ticket, with no challengers. So why would a governor who is not under pressure to leave his party want to join another party, unless he fears losing the election on his current platform?

    This lack of confidence in his party is telling. The APC’s strong momentum in Delta State positions it to deliver the change the people have long yearned for and win Delta State for President Tinubu.

    Ultimately, Oborevwori’s defection would be counterproductive, undermining the party’s commitment to progress and reform. The APC should prioritise integrity and people’s aspirations by rejecting Oborevwori’s bid.

    This would help it maintain its dedication to genuine transformation. Accepting Oborevwori would betray the trust of Deltans who defected from the PDP to the APC, alienate supporters, and potentially damage the APC’s electoral prospects, given the near-unanimous opposition from APC members.

    Those advocating for his inclusion should reconsider, as it would likely backfire. The APC should prioritise the people’s interests over individual ambitions in its decision-making.

    • Urhie, a political analyst, writes from Asaba, Delta State
  • Delta police confirm death of Oborevwori’s aide Shimite

    Delta police confirm death of Oborevwori’s aide Shimite

    Shimite Bello, Special Adviser on Export and Trade Promotion to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has died under mysterious circumstances, sparking concerns of possible poisoning.

    Sources revealed that Shimite allegedly passed away on Easter Sunday after reportedly foaming at the mouth. She was said to have been rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in Asaba, where she was confirmed dead.

    According to reports, the deceased’s maid alerted her elder brother after being locked inside the house all day.

    It was gathered that upon arrival, family members found Shimite unresponsive, leading to the emergency hospital visit.

    Shimite’s remains have been deposited in a mortuary as the police begin investigations into the cause of death.

    Shimite Bello, a former Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency during Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s tenure, had also contested for the Oshimili North seat in the Delta State House of Assembly under the PDP in the 2023 primaries.

    Read Also: Easter: Oborevwori calls for love, unity, prayers for Nigeria’s progress

    Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident. He disclosed that Shimite’s husband has been taken into protective custody by the police after he reported her death on Monday morning.

    He said, “Her death is confirmed but the rumour on social media are not for me to speak on because the husband was the one who reported her death early this morning but that he is receiving threats from the family of his wife, so we decided to take him into police protective custody for now so he was not arrested as claimed on social media.”

  • Armed siege on Ubulu-Uku: SOS to Oborevwori

    Armed siege on Ubulu-Uku: SOS to Oborevwori

    • By Peter Udene Ugbaja, Chinedu Osaji

    Sir: We are constrained to draw the attention of our governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to the recent rise in attacks by armed hoodlums on Ubulu-Uku, a town in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State and its environs.

    Although the attacks had been ongoing for years, there has been a remarkable upsurge in their frequency and severity since December 2024. The main hotspots where the yet-to-be-identified armed men have killed people are the Ubulu-Uku/Issele-Uku Road, the Ubulu-Uku/Ubulu-Unor Road, the Ubulu-Uku/Onicha-Ugbo Road and the Ubulu-Uku/Obior Road.

    The recent fatal attacks led to the death of up to four people, with some sustaining different degrees of injuries. The attacks in December took place at the following locations: the Ubulu-Uku/Ubulu-Unor Road, close to Isho Quarters, where an adult male identified as an indigene of Cross River State was killed; Onicha Uku, quarters in Ubulu-Uku, where a headless body of an adult male was found; the Ubulu-Uku/Issele-Uku Road, where several attacks were carried out on vehicles plying the road.

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    The forests along the Ubulu-Uku/Issele-Uku Road are infested with armed terrorists who routinely attack and kidnap travellers on the road. The Yuletide attacks on the road were suspected to have been carried out by militants who have been having a free reign on that particular road. The incidents were all reported to the police. The Ubulu-Uku/Aniagbala/Ubulu-Okiti Road is another hotspot for the armed hoodlums.

    Against this background, we appeal to our governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to come to our aid to protect the lives of our people. We urge the governor to deploy relevant security agencies to investigate the attacks, forestall further incidents and restore free movement to neighbouring communities.

    The Ubulu-Uku Kingdom Descendants Central Union (UKDCU) appreciates Governor Oborevwori’s untiring efforts in delivering on his M.O.R.E. agenda to Deltans. Ubulu-Uku has always been a peaceful community, with farming as the main occupation of the people. We desire to keep it that way and pledge to collaborate with your administration in sustaining peace in our dear state and fostering development.

    •Peter Udene Ugbaja (President-General),

    &

    Dr. Chinedu Osaji (Secretary-General)

    For Ubulu-Uku Kingdom Descendants Central Union.

  • Delta community to Oborevwori: save us from hoodlums

    Delta community to Oborevwori: save us from hoodlums

    Indigenes of Ubulu Uku, in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, have appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to save them from the siege by hoodlums terrorising the town and preventing its residents from engaging in their farming

    In a statement, and President-General, Peter Ugbaja, and Secretary-General,   Dr. Chinedu Osaji,   Ubulu-Uku Kingdom Descendants Central Union, stated that although the attacks have been ongoing for some years, there had been a remarkable upsurge in their frequency and severity since last December. 

    The statement reads: “The main hot-spots where the yet-to-be-identified armed men have killed people in the town are the Ubulu-Uku/Issele-Uku Road, the Ubulu-Uku/Ubulu-Unor Road, the Ubulu-Uku/Onicha-Ugbo Road, and the Ubulu-Uku/Obior Road.’’

    “The recent fatal attacks led to the death of up to four people with some sustaining different degrees of injuries. The forests along the Ubulu-Uku/Issele-Uku Road are infested with armed Fulani terrorists who routinely attack and kidnap travellers on the road.”

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    The union urged the governor to deploy relevant security agencies to investigate the attacks, forestall further incidents, and restore free movement of residents to neighbouring communities.

    It acknowledged Oborevwori’s efforts in delivering on his M.O.R.E. Agenda to Deltans.

    Against the background of the increasing attacks on farming communities, the Aniocha South Local Government Area Chairman, Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, said the council would set up a Forest Corps to rid the forests of kidnappers and militant herdsmen.

    Chukwunwike said the corps would comprise retired security officers from the police, the military and the Department of State Security (DSS).

    The chairman, who spoke when he received a delegation of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association, expressed concern over the unchecked activities of cattle herdsmen whose ranks have been infiltrated by militants armed with assault weapons.

    He said: “Our desire is strictly to secure our forests and farms and shield our people from indiscriminate killings, rape and destruction of crops that has become the lot of our people in the past few years.”

  • 2027: Nwoko advises Oborevwori to shelve defection plans to APC

    2027: Nwoko advises Oborevwori to shelve defection plans to APC

    Delta North Senator, Ned Nwoko, has advised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to shelve defection plans to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the ruling party does not need him.

    Nwoko stated this at Agbor, Delta State, when members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the Delta Unity Group (DUG) in Ika Federal Constituency officially defected to the APC.

    He expressed confidence that the Delta APC would defeat the governor and his party in the 2027 general elections.

    The gathering, attended by APC bigwigs, including Chairman Alhaji Umar Ganduje, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, marked a boost for the party’s strength in the state.

    Notably, there have been rumours of Governor Oborevwori’s intention to join the APC in the past few months, but his Aides have consistently denied them.

    According to Senator Nwoko, “Oborevwori wants to come to APC, but tell him to stay where he is. He will be defeated. We don’t want him in the APC.”

    Nwoko’s assertion was made against the backdrop of President Tinubu’s purported interest in winning Delta State come 2027.

    According to Nwoko, while this might be the reason behind the governor’s desire to join the APC, the party does not need his membership to win Delta State.

    Nwoko expressed unwavering confidence in the APC’s prospects in Delta State, assuring the crowd that the next governor of Delta State will emerge from the party, considering the party’s growing appeal due to the PDP’s 25 years of corrupt governance.

    “Delta will surely become an APC state come 2027. Twenty-five years of corrupt governance by the PDP in the state is enough. We must take over. The time has come for that to happen,” he added.

    He emphasised that the APC is poised to deliver better governance and that the party’s growing strength and momentum will ensure its victory in 2027.

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    “Don’t let anyone doubt who you are. The next governor will be formed by you. As you go home, tell them that the next governor of Delta State will be formed by the APC. Today, we are emboldened and happy that a large political group like the DUG is following in my footsteps in joining the APC,” Nwoko said.

    Senator Ned Nwoko’s stance on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s potential defection to the APC aligns with that of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    According to Omo-Agege, the APC is open to welcoming new members from the PDP, but Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, were not welcome.

    Omo-Agege expressed confidence that the APC’s growing strength, bolstered by the defection of over 60% of PDP members since 2023, positions the party to deliver Delta State for President Ahmed Tinubu and sweep the 2027 elections, retaining all Senate seats and winning the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats.

  • We don’t want you in APC, Nwoko tells Oborevwori

    We don’t want you in APC, Nwoko tells Oborevwori

    Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) has told Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to perish the thought of joining the All Progressives Congress(APC). 

    He said the Governor is not welcomed in the party. 

    He spoke at the weekend when members of the Delta Unity Group (DUG) in Ika Federal Constituency defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in Agbor.

    According to him::“Oborovwori wants to come to APC, but tell him to stay where he is. He will be defeated. We don’t want him in APC. The President personally told me that he will deliver Delta to APC, maybe that is why the governor is desperate.”

    Nwoko expressed confidence in APC’s prospects in Delta State, assuring the crowd that the next Governor will emerge from APC, emphasising the party’s growing appeal due to PDP’s alleged 25 years of corrupt governance.

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    “Delta will surely become an APC state come 2027. 25 years of corrupt governance by the PDP in the state is enough. We must take over. The time has come for that to happen,” he added.

    He emphasised that APC is poised to deliver better governance and the party’s growing strength and momentum will ensure its victory in 2027.

    “Don’t let anyone doubt who you are. The next governor will be formed by you. As you go home, tell them that the next Governor of Delta State will be formed by the APC. 

    “Today, we are emboldened and happy that a large political group like the DUG is following my footsteps in joining the APC,” Nwoko said.

    Nwoko’s stance on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s rumoured defection plan to the All Progressives Congress (APC) aligns with former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. 

    According to Omo-Agege, the APC is open to welcoming new members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, are not welcome.

    Omo-Agege expressed confidence that the APC’s growing strength, bolstered by the defection of over 60% of PDP members since 2023, positions the party to deliver Delta State for President Ahmed Tinubu and sweep the 2027 elections, retaining all Senate seats and winning the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats.

    Analysts feared Oborevwori’s defection may destabilise APC and spark a backlash from Delta State voters who see Oborevwori and Okowa as key figures in the state’s desire for change and their involvement with the APC could undermine the party’s prospects in the state.