Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ifeanyi Okowa, All commissioners and his deputy have Dumped PDP for APC
In a development that is certain to send ripples through both Delta State and the national political arena, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme formally resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the evening of Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The unexpected move was announced following a high‐level, closed‐door meeting at the Government House in Asaba, marking what insiders describe as a strategic realignment ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
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A Coordinated Exit: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Onyeme and the Okowa Connection
Governor Oborevwori—who won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP platform—and his deputy, Monday Onyeme, were officially received into the APC fold by senior party leaders shortly after tendering their resignations. They were accompanied by their predecessor, former governor and 2023 Atiku Abubakar running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as a host of commissioners and major PDP stakeholders in Delta State.
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The presence of Dr. Okowa, a seasoned politician with deep roots in Delta’s political landscape, underscored the magnitude of the defection. Okowa, who served two terms as Delta State governor before handing over to Oborevwori, had been one of the PDP’s most visible figures in the South‐South region. His switch to APC alongside the sitting administration suggests careful coordination and a desire to present a united front ahead of the next general elections.
Strategic Calculations: Aligning with the Federal Centre
Political analysts suggest that the defections are driven largely by pragmatic considerations. With the APC firmly in control at the federal level—holding the presidency and a majority in the National Assembly—state executives often seek alignment with the ruling party to ensure smoother access to federal projects and funding.
By joining the APC, Governor Oborevwori and his team position Delta State to capitalize on enhanced collaboration with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Observers note that lagging infrastructure and development challenges in the Niger Delta region have long been attributed, in part, to inter‐party frictions that stymie federal‐state cooperation. The realignment is therefore being portrayed by the defectors as a bid to fast‐track development initiatives and deepen federal engagement in Delta State.
Reactions from PDP and APC
The PDP’s national leadership has yet to issue a formal statement addressing the mass resignation. However, internal sources indicate a flurry of emergency meetings as party officials scramble to reassess their position in the oil‐rich state. Delta has been a PDP stronghold since the return to democratic rule in 1999, and the loss of its current governor represents a severe blow to the party’s southern base.
Conversely, the APC high command has hailed the defections as a transformative moment. At the reception ceremony, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed Oborevwori, Onyeme and their associates, describing their arrival as “a powerful affirmation of the APC’s inclusive vision and growing national appeal.” Party strategists view the new additions as critical to consolidating APC’s presence in the Niger Delta and shoring up support ahead of the 2027 polls.
Impact on Delta State Governance
Oborevwori’s administration has faced criticism in recent months over perceived delays in key infrastructure projects and social programmes. Supporters of the governor argue that alignment with the federal ruling party will unlock much‐needed capital for roads, ports modernization, and youth empowerment schemes.
In a brief statement issued by his media office, Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the decision to defect was “rooted in the best interests of Delta people, ensuring that our state’s development agenda receives full federal backing.” He pledged to sustain his administration’s policy priorities—rural electrification, job creation, and environmental remediation of oil‐affected areas—under the APC banner.
Predecessor’s Return: The Weight of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa
Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s switch to the APC carries significant symbolic weight. A former senator and two‐term governor (2015–2023), Okowa is widely respected across party lines for his developmental record, particularly in agriculture and education. His role in orchestrating Oborevwori’s succession at the PDP’s 2023 governorship primary was instrumental, and his subsequent movement to the APC hints at a broader power shift within Delta’s political elite.
Political observers point out that Okowa’s influence extends beyond Delta State, given his position as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in 2023. His alignment with the APC could therefore reshape alliances in neighbouring states and among South‐South delegates, making him a central figure to watch in the run‐up to national primaries and coalition talks.
Opposition Realigns: What’s Next for the PDP?
In the wake of the defections, the PDP faces the daunting task of rebuilding its grassroots machinery in Delta. The party’s state chairmanship and local government executives are reportedly holding emergency consultations to stem further departures and retain key constituencies in the oil‐rich region.
Prominent PDP leaders are expected to convene a crisis meeting in Abuja this weekend to chart a path forward. Possible strategies include the immediate endorsement of fresh candidates for local council elections, aggressive membership drives, and the launch of public campaigns to stress the PDP’s historical achievements in Delta State.
Implications for the 2027 General Elections
With less than two years until the general elections, the APC’s strengthened foothold in Delta State could prove decisive. The South‐South, traditionally a PDP bastion, contributes significant delegate votes in national party conventions. By securing the support of Delta’s governor and his political network, the APC is better positioned to negotiate delegate blocs and influence vice‐presidential ticket decisions.
Moreover, local office contests—from national assembly seats to state assembly positions—are likely to tilt in favour of the APC in Delta, altering the balance of power in the National Assembly. This shift may influence legislative priorities on key national issues, including revenue allocation, natural resource control, and Niger Delta development programmes.
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A New Chapter for Delta Politics
Governor Oborevwori’s defection—and that of his deputy, key commissioners and stakeholders—marks a watershed moment in Delta State’s political history. The mass movement from the PDP to the APC not only underscores the fluidity of party allegiances in Nigerian politics but also highlights the strategic calculus of aligning with the federal ruling party to accelerate state development.
As Delta’s political landscape undergoes this dramatic metamorphosis, all eyes will be on the state capital, Asaba, and on Abuja as the PDP seeks to regroup. With the 2027 general elections looming, the balance of power in the Niger Delta—and indeed at the national level—hangs in the balance. The coming months will reveal whether this realignment translates into tangible gains for Delta State or if it triggers unforeseen political fractures.
That is all for now on Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ifeanyi Okowa, Others Dump PDP for APC.
For further coverage on this developing story and analysis of its impact on Nigeria’s political landscape, stay tuned to our in‐depth reports.
