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Tag: Okowa

  • Abiodun ,Olopade, Okowa  visit Team Tunisia’s accident victims

    Abiodun ,Olopade, Okowa  visit Team Tunisia’s accident victims

    The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa and the President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Hamad Kalkaba Malboum and Ogun State Governor  Dapo Abiodun, have visited  some members of Team Tunisia  that were involved in an accident on Saturday evening.

    Chief Okowa, the CAA Boss, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum and the Governor Abiodun, the CEO of CAA Lamine Faty and the Director General of the National Sports Commission(NSC) Bukola Olopade, were at the Federal Medical Centre Abeokuta to sympathise and see how the athletes are responding to treatment.

    Five athletes, one male and four female are responding to treatment have been moved to another medical  facility for adequate treatment in Lekki, Lagos.

    The accident occurred while the team was returning to the Games Village from the competition venue.

    Read Also: MICHAEL KAYODE: I’ve wanted to play in EPL since I was a child

    The AFN President, commended the proactive action of the Ogun State Government, medical personnel, CAA officials and security agencies who responded immediately to this emergency.

    The AFN  wishes the injured athletes a quick and full recovery and extends its heartfelt sympathy to their teammates, families and the Tunisian delegation.

    The AFN also wishes to express its appreciation to the President of CAA, Hamad Kalkaba Malboum for visiting the injured athletes as  well as AFN board member and second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu Chineze and other officials of the Federation, including Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze and Mr. Babajide Odeseji.

     “We will keep close watch on the injured athletes and see how they are faring. Our prayers are with the athletes, their families and the entire people of Tunisia,” Okowa said.

  • Delta govt celebrates Okowa at 66

    Delta govt celebrates Okowa at 66

    The Delta State government has extended warm felicitations to the immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, on the occasion of his 66th birth anniversary.

    Senator Okowa, who served as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023 and Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, turned 66 on July 8.

    In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, described Senator Okowa as an exceptional leader, mentor, and father figure who had remained a pillar of support and a source of inspiration to many, including himself.

    Read Also: Delta celebrates Okowa at 66

    “Happy Birthday to my wonderful leader and mentor!” Aniagwu wrote.

    “With a heart full of gratitude, I wish you a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness, fulfilment, and continued success. I remain grateful for the guidance and inspiration you have consistently provided to me.

    “Your leadership and unwavering support have left a lasting imprint on my life and career.”

    Aniagwu, who served as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information under Okowa’s administration, praised the former governor for his remarkable achievements in public service and for his enduring legacy in governance, politics, and leadership, noting that his humility, wisdom, and passion for development continue to inspire the younger generation.

    “Thank you for being such a great leader and mentor. I truly appreciate everything I have learnt from you over the years,” Aniagwu added.

    The Works Commissioner concluded with a passionate salute to the former governor, hailing him as “Ekwueme”— the one who speaks and stands by his word, reaffirming the deep respect and admiration he holds for Okowa

  • Delta celebrates Okowa at 66

    Delta celebrates Okowa at 66

    The Delta State Government has extended warm felicitations to the immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, CON, on the occasion of his 66th birth anniversary. 

    Okowa, who served as Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023 and Vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 general election, turned 66 on July 8, 2025.

    In a heartfelt message on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu,  described Senator Okowa as an exceptional leader, mentor, and father figure who had remained a pillar of support and a source of inspiration to many, including himself.

    “Happy Birthday to my wonderful leader and mentor!” Aniagwu wrote. 

    “With a heart full of gratitude, I wish you a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness, fulfilment, and continued success. I remain grateful for the guidance and inspiration you have consistently provided to me. 

    Read Also: No room for drug cheats in athletics, says Okowa  

    “Your leadership and unwavering support have left a lasting imprint on my life and career.”

    Aniagwu who served as Chief Press Secretary and Commissioner for Information under Okowa’s administration, praised the former governor for his remarkable achievements in public service and for his enduring legacy in governance, politics, and leadership, noting that his humility, wisdom, and passion for development continue to inspire the younger generation.

    “Thank you for being such a great leader and mentor. I truly appreciate everything I have learnt from you over the years,” Aniagwu added.

    The Works Commissioner concluded with a passionate salute to the former governor, hailing him as “Ekwueme”— the one who speaks and stands by his word, reaffirming the deep respect and admiration he holds for Okowa.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Delta Muslim Pilgrims pray for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Okowa

    Eid-el-Kabir: Delta Muslim Pilgrims pray for Tinubu, Oborevwori, Okowa

    Muslim faithful from Delta State have joined others in the holy pilgrimage to Mecca for this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, to offer fervent prayers for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, seeking divine guidance and strength for their leadership. 

    They called on Muslims across the globe to live a life of sacrifice and selfless service to humanity in line with the injunctions of Allah and the Holy Quran. 

    The Chairman of Delta State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwal Tukur, made the call while speaking at the ongoing Hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

    Tukur said the Eid-el-Kabir is spectacular in the life of a Muslim because of the obedience exhibited by Prophet Abraham in the Holy Quran when Allah asked him to sacrifice his son Ishmael. 

    He reminded Nigerians of the need to pray for peace, unity, and all-round development in the country, stressing that the Feast of Eid-el-Kabir should be used to promote love and give sacrificially to fellow human beings, regardless of tribe, religion, or social status. 

    He said the hajj was a platform to pray for the country and especially for Delta State and her political leaders. 

    He thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing rams and food items to Muslims in Delta State. 

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Northern CAN felicitates Muslims, calls for unity, inclusion

    He also thanked his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and Deltans for their love and care for Muslims and other non-indigenes. 

    He called on anyone perpetrating criminal activities in Delta State to relocate, adding that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them. 

    Tukur gave assurance that Hausa, community, and other tribes in Delta were impressed with the leadership style of Governor Oborevwori, pledging 100% support to his MORE Agenda. 

    The Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Alhaji Abubakar Musa, who led other pilgrims in prayer in the Holy Land, said all hands must be on deck in calling on Allah to reverse ugly trends in Nigeria. 

    While offering special prayers for Governor Sheriff Oborowori, Senator Okowa, and Delta State, Muslims, he prayed for more development and peace in Delta State. 

  • Expect gale of defections in southwest, says Adelakun, lauds Oborevwori, Okowa

    Expect gale of defections in southwest, says Adelakun, lauds Oborevwori, Okowa

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Kunle Musediq Adelakun, has predicted a wave of defections into the party across the South-West geopolitical zone.

    Adelakun, son of the late Ibadan political icon of the Second Republic, Alhaji Busari Oloyede Adelakun, popularly known as ‘Eruobodo’, made the statement while speaking with journalists on Tuesday.

    He revealed that many political heavyweights in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-controlled states in the region are already preparing to join the APC.

    The APC stalwart also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for what he described as a timely and commendable decision—though he did not specify the context of the decision.

    “The APC train is unstoppable and you can’t stop a moving train.

    “For those with vision, Nigeria has begun a transformation which would place the country on its best path ever for both economic and political development in our political history, under President Bola Tinubu,” Adelakun said.

    READ ALSO: CBEX tragedy

    He said that APC is a political party of awakening political and economic consciousness’ of Nigeria.

    “Talks are already ongoing among some parties in the South-West to collapse their structures and move en masse into the rulling APC as happened in Delta recently.

    “You’ll soon see a gale of defections as never witnessed before and both side will be better for it as it’s going to be a win-win for all concerned,” the APC chieftain said.

    He said that the defections would solidify the APC support base and move the South-West into mainstream of nation’s polity.

    Adelakun described the move as a signal that Nigeria’s democracy is actually stronger under the APC-led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said that as a game of numbers, democracy is strong where every citizens is allowed true freedom of association, and freedom of choice.

    “Under President Tinubu, Nigerians have seen a tremendous increase in the resources available to the states and serious minded governors have been able to utilize that advantage to the benefit off their people.

    “This is the merit President Tinubu’s geopolitical zone are seeing and will take advantage of to move their people closer to the centre to accelerate development.

    “It’s going to be a right step in the right direction. The more, the merrier,” Adelakun said.

  • Okowa: I regret accepting to run with Atiku in 2023

    Okowa: I regret accepting to run with Atiku in 2023

    Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed regret over his decision to run as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election, admitting it may have contradicted the wishes of his people.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Okowa described his acceptance of the role as a misalignment with the prevailing sentiments in Delta State—an issue he said he has deeply reflected upon.

    He offered insights into his political decisions, the internal shifts within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the growing support among Delta stakeholders for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    While defending his record in office, including infrastructure achievements, free maternal and child healthcare, and the performance of his successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okowa acknowledged that joining Atiku’s ticket in 2023 came at a significant political cost.

    “Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power.

    “But the decision had already been taken at the federal level by the party, and I had been nominated. Still, in retrospect, I now believe I should have gone with the will of my people,” he declared.

    He linked the PDP’s failure in Delta during the presidential poll to that sentiment, acknowledging that while he ran out of loyalty to his party, the south was interested in producing President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor.

    However, Okowa was quick to point out that the tide turned just three weeks later in the governorship election, where PDP triumphed in 21 out of the 25 local governments.

    Read Also: You lack moral right to criticise my defection — Okowa tells Saraki

    “That showed the people still believed in us, believed in me. They said you’ve done well, and we will support the governor you have chosen.’ And they did,” he said.

    On insinuations that his defection was to have his ‘sins forgiven,’ Okowa maintained that there were no sins to be given as he had not committed any, adding that he was never arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but only honoured an invitation by the commission.

    Okowa said: “I did well for the people of the state. Petitions can be written by anybody, but whatever petitions are written, the right of investigation is with the EFCC.

    “So, there are no fears concerning that at all. And I have never spoken to Adams Oshiomole; we talked for the first time only yesterday because we are of different political parts and because we are of different political parts we were not friends perse.”Political party merchandise

    He defended his defection not as a personal political maneuver but as the result of extensive consultations across Delta State, adding that continued opposition politics had placed the state at a disadvantage in terms of federal access and influence.

    Addressing the moral arguments against his defection to the APC, after serving in multiple positions under PDP, Okowa said he owes no one an apology.

    “Yes, I was a key player in the PDP from the formative stages, but the PDP of today is not the same party we built in 1998.

    “When you find that the values and vision you once believed in are no longer there, then you step away,” he said.

  • You lack moral right to criticise my defection — Okowa tells Saraki

    You lack moral right to criticise my defection — Okowa tells Saraki

    Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has fired back at former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, over his criticism of Okowa’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying Saraki lacks the moral standing to comment on the matter.

    Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Tuesday, Okowa responded to Saraki’s remarks in which the ex-Senate President described Okowa’s switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as “shocking” and “unprecedented,” especially considering that Okowa was the PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

    “It is shocking and unbecoming. It’s simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity,” Saraki had said in a statement following the wave of defections in Delta State.

    However, Okowa dismissed the criticism, arguing that Saraki himself had defected from the PDP to the APC in the past and later returned, thereby lacking the moral right to question others’ political decisions.

    “I did not expect that someone like Senator Bukola Saraki would comment about me,” Okowa said. “He has also moved to the APC before and eventually returned. So he has had movements to and fro. I don’t think he has the moral right to speak about my defection.”

    Read Also: Defection of Oborevwori, Okowa to APC a tsunami , says Shettima

    Okowa explained that the decision to leave the PDP was not made in isolation but was a collective resolution by key political stakeholders in Delta State, including the current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several political appointees, citing unresolved internal issues within the PDP.

    “Several things have been going on in the party. While I do not want to join issues with people, our leaders in this state have reviewed recent events and communications from the PDP leadership, and it became clear to us that the party is no longer the right political vehicle for Delta State ahead of 2027,” he said.

    He also criticised the PDP’s leadership for rejecting calls for a coalition, warning that such internal disunity signaled that the opposition party was not prepared to offer a viable alternative in the next general election.

  • UPDATED: Oborevwori, Okowa, others formally join APC

    UPDATED: Oborevwori, Okowa, others formally join APC

    …you are “co-owners”, Shettima tells defectors

    In a historic political shift on Monday, Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and a host of their supporters formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), with Vice President Kashim Shettima assuring them that they are now “co-owners” of the ruling party and not mere guests.

    Speaking at a grand reception in Asaba, the Delta State capital, Vice President Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, welcomed the defectors, hailing their decision as a bold endorsement of the APC’s enduring promise and national vision.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima stressed the need for unity and collaboration, emphasising that the new members were joining as equals in the ruling party.

    “You are not guests in this house; you are now co-owners. This is now as much your party as it is ours,” VP Shettima said, describing the new APC entrants as giants in Nigerian politics.

    The Vice President highlighted the significance of their decision to join the APC, saying, “The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the enthusiasm of its members, but in the conviction it inspires among those who once stood across from them.”

    Welcoming the new members into the party fold, Senator Shettima noted that they were joining the party “not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found their rightful place among” the APC faithful, even as he maintained that they were joining the governing party not as guests but as family and “as fellow architects of a better Nigeria.”

    The Vice President explained the APC’s philosophy of governance and party politics, pointing out that “what sets the APC apart is not an illusion of uniformity; it is our acceptance that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.

    “Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how great or small, is welcomed to air their grievances, challenge our direction, and shape our future,” he added.

    Shettima also reflected on the party’s journey right from inception. “Since its formation in 2013, the APC has been both the dream and the drama of Nigerian democracy. So many predictions have been written about us as though we were an experiment doomed to fail,” he said.

    He credited the party’s longevity to its collaborative approach, observing that “dialogue, not dictation, has been our shield against disintegration,” just as he said there was no way the party could have survived this long without listening to one another.

    “Today is not merely a day of receiving new members. This is a declaration that the spirit of our great nation is alive — a spirit that dreams beyond personal ambition, beyond party lines, and sees the larger arc of history. Nigeria is greater than all of us, and what we do here today is a step towards strengthening her promise,” the Vice President further stated.

    Earlier, National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, said it was a historic day, even as he described the defection of the Delta State Governor as a political legacy.

    Ganduje thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing good leadership that has attracted more credible persons into the APC fold.

    “The National Working Committee of our party is happy with this decision of the Governor, and we are impressed with the cordial relationship existing between the Governor and his predecessor, Dr Okowa,” he said.

    Formally accepting the Delta State Governor into the APC, Ganduje handed over the flag of the party and a broom, the main symbol of the APC, to Oborevwori.

    The national chairman thanked Vice President Kashim Shettima and all APC Governors who attended the occasion, informing them that more eminent Nigerians are on their way to the APC.

    On his part, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said it is a special day for APC because of the wealth of experience of the Delta State Governor.

    He said the ideology of the APC protects national interest and the improvement of the lives of Nigerians.

    “We are joyful and hopeful. Our party, the APC, protects national interest and expands the hope horizon,” Governor Uzodinma said, while commending the developmental strides of the Delta State Governor, saying they are progressive.

    He continued: “Today, when I was driving into Asaba this afternoon, I saw development, I saw the performance of the governor, I saw infrastructure. The state looks like an APC state.

    “So, I’m not surprised that the governor, in his wisdom, decided to join our great party because what we are known for is what he is already doing in Delta State”.

    Speaking on behalf of the new APC entrants, Governor Oborevwori insisted that what happened in Delta State was a movement, not defection, explaining that all stakeholders of the state were part of the decision to move to the governing APC.

    The governor, who said Delta State could no longer be in the opposition, thus the change of gears, added that the state decided to reciprocate the love of President Tinubu, whom he said loves the state and has done a lot for it.

    “All our members in the National Assembly have agreed that when plenary resumes, they will defect on the floor of the two chambers of the Assembly.

    “All the state and ward executives of our party and representatives at all levels will move. We want to be in the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is in line with my agenda,” Oborevwori said, assuring that there will be no faction in the Delta State APC.

    Also, former Governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, said the people of the state decided to change their path for the common good of the citizens.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Shettima receives Oborevwori, Okowa, PDP members to APC in Delta

    “This decision is in the best interest of the state. We need to connect to the centre to gain more democratic dividends. It is in the best interest of the state and the people. We need to embrace each other with the oneness of heart. I believe a great result will come forth from this decision,” Okowa assured.

    He pledged support for President Bola Tinubu and his successor, Governor Oborevwori.

    State Governors in attendance were those of Kwara, AbdulRahman-AbdulRazaq; Gombe, Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya; Yobe, Mai Mala Buni; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Benue, Hyacinth Alia; Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; Sokoto, Ahmed Aliyu; Ogun, Dapo Abiodun, Cross River, Bassey Otu; Borno, Babagana Zulum; Kaduna, Uba Sani; Ekiti, Biodun Oyebanji; Kogi, Usman Ododo, and Ebonyi, Francis Nwifuru.

    Other dignitaries included Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Senator Adams Oshiomole; Minister of Regional Development, Mr. Abubakar Momoh; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, among many others.

  • JUST IN: Shettima receives Oborevwori, Okowa, PDP members to APC in Delta

    JUST IN: Shettima receives Oborevwori, Okowa, PDP members to APC in Delta

    It was a carnival-like atmosphere on Monday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, as a massive crowd of Deltans gathered to witness Vice President Kashim Shettima formally receive Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the entire Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Cenotaph, venue of the event, was transformed into a sea of yellow — the signature colour of Governor Oborevwori’s political family — as party faithful turned out in their thousands, defying the scorching sun to dance and celebrate to music blaring from strategically positioned loudspeakers.

    The grand event attracted an array of dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, 16 APC governors, members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), federal lawmakers, and ministers.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Shettima, described the political realignment as a “tsunami of unimaginable proportions,” praising Governor Oborevwori and immediate past Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for their statesmanship and the unity displayed in leading the defection to the APC.

    Tinubu commended the cordial relationship between the two Delta leaders, expressing confidence that their move would strengthen the APC’s dominance and foster greater political stability in the state and the nation at large.

    He said: “What can be greater than the promise of this day. This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South region and barely in the history of this country.

    “A political tsunami of this proportion has never happened where all the members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly are in the APC.

    “The Speaker and all the members of the House of Assembly. So many members of the House of Representatives, the Governor and his entire cabinet, and 500 councillors across the 25 local government areas of this great state. What testimony do you have greater than this?

    “The true measure of a political party lies not merely in the industry, the very name of its members, but in the conviction. It is, in fact, among those who once stood across from them.

    “This vindication is even more fundamental. When those who once saw us as outsiders and opponents crossed the lines of difference to become part of the enduring family we have built.

    “This historic day, therefore, is both a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC and a tribute to the vision, courage, and foresight of the great giants we have come to welcome into the hall of fame of our political party, along with their devoted followers who are joining us today.

    “I want to pay special tribute to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the wonderful relationship that exists between him and his successor

    “Senator Okowa, you are indeed a great leader and Governor Oborevwori, for embracing him, for treating him with respect and decorum, you are even a greater leader,” he said.

    “We are here with our unshaken belief in the power of collaboration, the understanding that we are stronger together than we can ever be apart.

    “What sets the APC apart is not an illusion of uniformity; it is our accepting that differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.

    “Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how big or small, is welcome to air their grievances.

    “Your Excellencies, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the other great men and women, we welcome you to the APC today.

    “I bring them the warm assurance of His Excellency President Bola, Ahmed Tendul, GCFR, and all members of the APC.

    “Now that you have come we are all co-owners because according to the constitution of the party, the Governor of the party is the leader of the party in the state, this is now as much as your party as it is ours.

    “You have brought to us a wealth of experience, a breath of wisdom and a measure of strength for which we shall always remain grateful.

    “This is a declaration that the strength of our great nation is alive, a spirit that brings your ambition, your party alliance and sees the larger set of history.

    “Nigeria is greater than all of us, and what we do here today is a step towards strengthening our promise. We welcome you, Your Excellency, not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found your rightful place amongst us.

    “We welcome you not as guests but as family, we welcome you as fellow architects of a better Nigeria and may this day be remembered not just by what it signifies today but for the enduring fraternity and vision of source for tomorrow.”

    Responding, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori described the defection as a historic movement in the best interest of the state.

    He pledged to unify the party to ensure total victory for the party in the coming elections.

    “What you have seen here today is a movement, it’s not a defection, it’s a movement. We have done consultation with the National Assembly, with leadership, with stakeholders at the state level, at the senatorial level, at the local government level, at the ward level, and we all decided that we must all join.”

    “This is Delta state we cannot carry last, when we stand for something we remain committed to it, we have been in opposition for almost 10 years.

    “Do we need that? Mr. President has supported us, he has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. The love that he has shown to us in Delta State, we need to reciprocate it.

    “We cannot do it in our own party. You have to be inside to do it, and to do it well. We have to do it at our party.

    “When you consult widely, you see everybody will come with you, and you can see that the love is organic, you can see my relationship with governors, you see all the governors here

    you see the large numbers of governors yesterday 9 came yesterday and slept today see all of them here I want to bless all of you. I want to thank all of you.

    This is a movement, this is not defection. We have agreed we will move together and when we move together, what is in the national we will be able to grab it.

    “Our members in the National Assembly they are all the next, they have agreed they will all defect on the floor of the house.  Mr Speaker and we have justification to move.

    “All of us want to be in the Renew Hope Agenda, which is in line with my MORE Agenda.

    “For us in Delta State, it’s a statement, and I believe other governors will join because it’s a movement, and when you have a movement, you don’t fail.

    “There are some things people say in the newspaper, that there is confusion, there is a faction.

    “As I have come, there will be no faction again. Let me tell you, APC is not like PDP. The Governor takes charge, and we are taking charge.

    “I don’t believe in any faction, everybody must queue and we will unite the party to move this state forward for the benefit of our people and to bring development, peace and unity to our state and Nigeria.”

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, applauded the cordial relationship between the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Ganduje said the National Working Committee of the party was highly impressed because of the cordial relationship existing between the predecessor and successor which, according to him, is very difficult see in the country.

    “So, we have to thank Dr. Okowa for that good relationship. Ladies and gentlemen, my job is very important, which is accepting, welcoming, and also embracing the Governor and the people of Delta State into our great party, the APC.

    “Mr. Governor, what l would like to tell you while accepting you into our party, is that our core value in APC is progressive leadership and coincidentally, from what we have seen on the ground in respect of your programmes and your projects, you are a progressive Governor.

    “So, we are welcoming you for coming home. We believe in progressive ideas, we believe in proximity, interacting with different levels of our party; we believe in openness, we believe in internal democracy, we believe in self accountability and we thank you for coming in,” he said.

    Read Also: Shettima arrives Asaba to receive Oborevwori into APC fold

    Earlier, the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the ceremony was quite historic and special in the life of the APC as a political party in Nigeria.

    Senator Uzodinma who disclosed that members of the APC were happy with the new political development in Delta State, said that the All Progressives Congress meant well for the country.

    “We are here to identify with you. We, therefore, urged all Deltans to continue to support their Governor as he consolidates on the achievements his administration has recorded so far,” he added.

    On his part, the immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, explained that the decision to change political direction was made for the common good and in the best interest of the state.

    “It was not about personal ambitions but the need to connect to Abuja, where significant goodwill and resources exist, especially since the state is a major contributor.

    Reflecting on his experience as a former governor in opposition, Okowa emphasised that while Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is performing well, aligning with Abuja would strengthen his efforts.

    “After thorough consultations with stakeholders, it was clear that a bold, strategic, and patriotic move was necessary for the state’s future.”

    He stressed the importance of unity among all members, both old and new, encouraging everyone to embrace each other and work together with a shared purpose.

    He called for strong support for both the President and the Governor, believing that this unity would allow them to dominate the political landscape of Delta State. 

  • Oborevwori, Okowa defect to APC with entire Delta PDP

    Oborevwori, Okowa defect to APC with entire Delta PDP

    • Governor leads all political appointees, leaders at all levels to ruling party

    • Atiku’s 2023 running mate leaves

    A political tsunami swept through the landscape of Delta State yesterday.

    The entire political structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dissolved into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led the immediate-past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, all political appointees, all elected public office holders and all party executives in a mass defection to the APC.

    Okowa was the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP standard bearer in the 2023 presidential election.

    The decision was announced after a meeting of party leaders, political office holders, serving and former and other stakeholders at Government House, Asaba.

    The governor, who presided, promised to speak further on the development on Monday at a rally.

    Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, a journalist, said the PDP leadership in the state came to an “inevitable conclusion” that leaving the party was the only way to ensure political stability.

    “The decision was taken to build the bond of love that has existed in our state, to further advance the cause of security and welfare of our people, and to a very large extent, ensure that development in Delta, because every politics is local.

    “In taking that decision, we came to the inevitable conclusion that moving out of the PDP is very, very necessary for us to be able to collaborate with our kith and kin and build that state that every Deltan will be proud of.

    “It is said that when the taste of the palm wine changes, the drinking pattern also changes. The leaders of the party were unanimous in their view that the political temperature has changed.

    “And there was a need for change that would help cement the development in our state; to build the bond of love that has existed in our state, and to further advance the security and welfare of our people.

    “We believe that what is happening in the PDP at the national level can be likened to that palm wine whose taste has changed, and that is why this decision has been taken.

    “By the grace of God, next Monday, we will be able to make a bold statement that we are moving to the APC.”

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    Pioneer Chairman of the PDP in the state, Senator James Manager, said the decision was taken in consultation with stakeholders.

    He said: “It is a unanimous agreement. I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP, but you cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing, because I am a riverine man.

    “Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.

    “A few days ago, there was a resolution taken by the PDP Governors Forum in Ibadan.

    “Almost all the governors were there, and they resolved that they would not go into coalition with any other party.

    “As disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? Do you think you can win?

    “That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

    “We lost the election in 2015 as a result of a merger which even included splinter groups from the PDP. There are also other reasons.

    “Today, Senator Anyanwu is the National Secretary of the party. Tomorrow, it is another person.

    “The party must be positioned to go into an election to win. So you see that it is becoming very funny. The PDP is truly in trouble.”

    The defectors will be received by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Monday rally.

    Also at the meeting were members of the National Assembly, House of Assembly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, members of the House, commissioners, council chairmen, top government functionaries and party officials.

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), welcomed the defectors.

    He stated in a post on X: “Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally, Delta is APC!

    “Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our Party.

    “Thank you, my leader & Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision.”

    A member of the PDP National Working Committee who spoke with The Nation expressed concern that the Delta governor may be the first among three governors who will dump the PDP for APC before the end of this year.

    “Talks reached advanced stages with three PDP governors and two more will likely be going within the next few months,” the source said.

    APC, Wike hail defectors

    The APC welcomed Oborevwori.

    National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said in a statement: “The National Working Committee of the APC under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, is highly elated by the decision of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to join our great party, along with eminent leaders of the 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 councillors 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 defection 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, now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the enduring good and prosperity of Deltans and all Nigerians.”

    Also, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister,  Nyesom Wike, commended Okowa for supporting President Tinubu.

    He said: “It is another endorsement of the President’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.”

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media,  Lere Olayinka, Wike called on other Nigerians who are still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for the President.

    The minister described the open endorsement of the President by Okowa as “a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.”

    “I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

    “That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not when they have problems and begin to run up and down.

    “They have come out at the right time to show support for the President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them.

    “I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election,  others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train,” the minister said.

    Uzodinma: it’s a heavy development

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma described Oborevwori’s defection as a major development.

    Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), spoke after a meeting of the forum.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Uzodimma said: “When a governor joins our party, we view it as a significant event and a moment to commend ourselves and thank Almighty God.

    “That’s exactly our sentiment. The Progressive Governors resolved to celebrate this development and extend congratulations to one another.”

    He noted that governors not originally elected on the APC platform now recognise President Tinubu’s efforts and are aligning with the party for a united Nigeria.

    “The APC treats sub-national governance with great importance.

    “So, a governor defecting to our party is a heavy development in our political journey,” he said.

    Uzodinma said the governors discussed the welfare of the APC and current national issues during their meeting.

    They pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s policies and vowed to strengthen the ruling party.

    He stated that the Progressive Governors would promote President Tinubu’s achievements so that Nigerians could fully appreciate the administration’s progress.

    “We’ll counter blackmail and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.

    “We, as Progressive Governors, firmly support President Tinubu and the APC government.

    “We are pleased with the progress. Despite challenges, the reform policies are beginning to yield visible results.

    “We pray God grants the President wisdom, courage and strength to deliver greater dividends of democracy for Nigerians,” Uzodinma said.