The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday officially received Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire structure of the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a vibrant ceremony in Asaba.
The reception, held at The Cenotaph, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who stood in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event saw thousands of supporters turn out in yellow regalia, symbolizing Oborevwori’s political identity, as music blared and dignitaries cheered the monumental shift.
Describing the moment, Shettima said, “This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions — one that has never happened in the history of the South-South region.” He praised Oborevwori and Okowa for what he called a “statesmanlike” decision that would foster political stability in Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
He further noted that with the governor, the entire House of Assembly, federal lawmakers, and 500 councillors across Delta now aligned with the APC, the state was poised to play a more central role in national politics.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori declared that the decision was more than a political realignment — it was, in his words, “a movement.” He said extensive consultations had taken place across all political levels before reaching the decision, adding that the people of Delta had spent too long in opposition.
“We consulted with National Assembly members, stakeholders, leaders at all levels. We decided it was time,” he explained. “Delta cannot carry last. Mr. President has shown us love; we must reciprocate by working with him, not against him.”
Oborevwori added that joining the APC would give the state better access to federal resources and support for development projects. He emphasized that the realignment was not about personal gain but collective progress.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in an emotionally resonant speech, explained that the move was in Delta’s long-term interest. He said the state needed stronger ties with the federal government to harness opportunities for growth and national relevance.
“This is not about ambition,” Okowa said. “It’s about strategic alignment. The future of Delta requires us to be where decisions are made.”
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, APC National Chairman, described the event as historic and praised the unity between the current and former governors — something he said is rare in Nigerian politics. He welcomed Oborevwori into what he called a party of progressive ideas and open dialogue.
“Mr. Governor, your development projects reflect progressive leadership. You’re coming home,” Ganduje said, adding that the APC values accountability, grassroots connection, and internal democracy.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of the Progressive Governors Forum, said APC members across the country were excited by the development. He encouraged Deltans to continue supporting Oborevwori as he leads the state under the APC banner.
The ceremony concluded with a pledge from Governor Oborevwori to unite the party in the state and mobilize grassroots support ahead of upcoming elections.
“There is no faction in Delta APC anymore,” he declared. “As governor, I’m taking charge, and we will move forward together for peace, development, and unity in Delta State and Nigeria.”
Political observers say the scale and coordination of the defection could significantly reshape the political dynamics in the South-South, with Delta now serving as a key battleground in national politics.
