In a big shock for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and many top politicians have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). This happened on April 23, 2025, after a long meeting in Asaba. It ends PDP’s 26-year control of Delta, a key state in Nigeria’s oil region.
PDP Acting Chairman Umar Damagum called it “sad and unfortunate.” Speaking in Abuja on April 24, he said PDP supported Oborevwori to become governor and Okowa as its 2023 vice-presidential candidate, but they left without explaining why. He believes they’re chasing personal gains.
Delta’s Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu, said joining APC will bring more development money from President Bola Tinubu’s government. But many Deltans are worried. People like Blessing Efe, a shop owner in Asaba, fear projects like roads and schools may suffer. “We voted PDP, not APC,” she said. Nobody’s talking about how this affects ordinary workers or local contracts, but it’s a big concern.
The APC is happy, with leaders like Senator Ned Nwoko praising Oborevwori. They promise things like a new Anioma State to fix local issues. But PDP’s Bode George warns APC is forcing people to join them, trying to make Nigeria a one-party country. Damagum agrees, saying 2027 will be “APC versus Nigerians” because people are angry about high prices and fuel costs.
PDP plans to rebuild in Delta with a new team, but it’s tough after losing over 5,000 members since March. For now, Deltans hope their state’s progress won’t be lost in this political game.
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