The political landscape in Delta State witnessed a significant realignment today as the Chairman of the North Central Governors' Forum and Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, alongside several All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, departed Abuja en route to Delta State to grace a historic rally marking the formal defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and a host of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts to the APC.
The high-powered delegation, comprising governors, party leaders, and key stakeholders, underscores the importance the ruling party attaches to the ongoing political reconfiguration ahead of the 2027 general elections. Governor Sule, known for his strategic leadership within the North Central bloc, led the charge as part of a broader effort to consolidate APC's strength in traditionally PDP-dominated regions.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s decision to pitch his tent with the APC, along with other prominent PDP leaders, marks a watershed moment in Delta State politics. Oborevwori, who assumed office less than two years ago under the PDP banner, cited the need for stronger alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a key reason for his defection. Sources close to the governor also point to internal wranglings within the PDP and a desire for more cohesive development opportunities for Delta as influencing his decision.
Speaking before departure at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Governor Sule expressed optimism about the new entrants, describing them as “men and women of capacity who will add value to the progressive fold.” He further emphasized that the APC under President Tinubu remains the only viable platform capable of delivering sustainable development and true federal inclusiveness.
“The coming of Governor Oborevwori and other notable figures is not just a gain for APC but a testament to the confidence people have in the leadership direction of our great party and President Tinubu’s administration,” Governor Sule stated.
The rally, scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, is expected to draw tens of thousands of party supporters, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and other senior party figures. The event is seen as a show of strength and a bold statement ahead of future electoral contests in the South-South region.
Political analysts have described the defection as a major blow to the PDP, which has traditionally enjoyed strong support in Delta State. With Oborevwori’s defection, the balance of power in the oil-rich state is expected to tilt considerably, with possible ripple effects across neighboring states.
The APC continues to position itself as a big tent party, attracting politicians from various backgrounds who believe in the vision of renewed prosperity and national rebirth championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As the rally kicks off, political watchers across the nation will be keeping a close eye on Delta, assessing how today's defections will shape the broader political narrative in the months to come.