…Says Oborevwori, Okowa’s Exit a Blessing in Disguise, Predicts APC Implosion Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to initiate legal action against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other party leaders who recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing their exit as both painful and opportunistic—but ultimately a “blessing in disguise.”
At a press briefing held Tuesday in Abuja following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum, said the party would not take the wave of defections in Delta State lightly, and vowed to pursue justice through the courts. According to Damagum, the party is taking steps to recover its mandate in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that we condemn in the strongest terms what transpired in Delta State,” Damagum said. “It is regrettable, but we will not fold our arms while those who rode to power on our platform abandon the mandate freely given to them by the people.”
He continued: “The Electoral Act is clear. If you were elected under a party platform, once you defect, you are required to vacate that office. That is why we have directed our National Legal Adviser to commence legal processes aimed at retrieving every seat and position that has been hijacked through these defections.”
PDP Restructures Delta Chapter
The PDP also announced the immediate dissolution of all its political structures in Delta State, following the exodus of top-ranking members. In a decisive move to restore order and direction, the party has mandated its South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, headed by Mr. Emma Ogidi, to take full charge of party affairs in the state.
Ogidi, in his remarks, confirmed the development and said his team had been given a clear mandate to rebuild from the ground up. “Our job is to go to Delta, take stock of what remains, rebuild morale among our loyal members, and scout for credible individuals who can be recommended to the National Working Committee for confirmation into the caretaker committee,” he explained.
He described the defections as unexpected but noted that the PDP remains committed to bouncing back stronger.
NEC and Convention Dates Announced
In a move to consolidate its national structure ahead of the 2027 general elections, the PDP has scheduled its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting for May 27, 2025. The party also announced that its national convention has been tentatively slated for August 28 to 30, 2025, pending ratification by the NEC.
According to Damagum, the convention will be used to elect new executives and re-strategize the party for future challenges. “We remain an indivisible political family,” he said. “This party has survived many storms in the past. What we are experiencing today is nothing compared to the challenges we’ve overcome. We are confident that the PDP will rise again.”
APC Will Implode — Wabara
Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara, weighed in on the situation, insisting that the APC would eventually implode as a result of the influx of former PDP members. He argued that the loyalty of long-time APC members would soon be tested, and the consequences could be dire for the ruling party.
“APC is now a melting pot of desperate politicians. Those entering from the PDP are coming to displace APC’s original members. When the internal wrangling begins, it will shake the party to its foundations,” Wabara predicted. “The PDP will laugh last.”
He described the defections of Oborevwori and Okowa as politically calculated but ultimately short-sighted. “We expected these defections. Some are defecting for protection; some are doing it for a second term. But the Nigerian people are watching. The hardship they’re facing today will guide their decisions in 2027,” he stated.
Okowa Defends His Exit
Meanwhile, former Delta State Governor and 2023 PDP vice presidential candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has come forward to justify his defection to the APC. Speaking during a televised interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, Okowa explained that he had grown disillusioned with the PDP and no longer believed the party was being properly managed.
He revealed that he had informed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of his intentions prior to the move. “I communicated with him before our stakeholders’ meeting,” Okowa said. “I let him know that we were considering our next steps because we no longer felt at home in the PDP.”
Dismissing speculations that his defection was motivated by fear of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Okowa stated categorically that he has nothing to hide. “There are no sins to forgive because no sins were committed. I was invited by the EFCC, and I honored their invitation. I have worked for Delta State and have no fear of being investigated,” he said.
On the broader political landscape, Okowa criticized Nigeria’s lack of ideological clarity, stating that most parties—including the PDP and APC—function merely as election vehicles. “In Nigeria, there are no real ideological differences among political parties. Manifestos look the same, and principles are hardly followed. We must grow beyond this if democracy is to thrive,” he added.
Okowa also dismissed criticism from former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, who had faulted his defection. “Saraki has defected before; he even returned. So, I don’t think he has the moral right to speak about my political choices,” he said.
PDP Prepares for Political Rebirth
Despite the challenges, PDP leaders remain optimistic about the party’s future. With legal battles planned, new leadership structures underway, and a national convention on the horizon, the party believes it is laying the groundwork for a political resurgence ahead of the next general elections.
“Our mission is to restore confidence, enforce discipline, and rebuild trust among Nigerians,” Damagum said in closing. “No matter how many times they try to break us, the PDP will always find a way to stand tall again.”
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