The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to pursue legal action against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other party members who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This decision follows a significant political shift in Delta State, where key PDP figures transitioned to the ruling party, raising concerns about the stability of the opposition and the implications for Nigeria’s democratic processes.
On April 23, 2025, Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Okowa, officially joined the APC, accompanied by several PDP stakeholders.
The defection was formalized during a ceremony in Asaba, the state capital, marking a pivotal moment in Delta State’s political landscape. President Bola Tinubu welcomed the new members, emphasizing their roles in shaping a better Nigeria, rather than viewing them merely as defectors .
In response, the PDP convened an emergency meeting to address the defections and strategize on maintaining its presence in Delta State. The party’s leadership expressed concern over the mass exodus, describing it as a “political earthquake” that could undermine the party’s influence in the region. The PDP has called for the immediate return of all party properties and assets held by the defectors, including the state secretariat and local government offices .
The party’s legal team is preparing to challenge the defections in court, arguing that the actions of Oborevwori, Okowa, and others constitute a breach of the party’s constitution and electoral mandates. The PDP contends that elected officials who switch parties without resigning their positions undermine the democratic process and the trust of the electorate. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for future cases of political defection in Nigeria.
The defections have sparked a broader debate about the state of democracy in Nigeria, with critics warning of the dangers of a dominant one-party system. The PDP’s move to seek judicial intervention underscores the party’s commitment to preserving a multiparty democracy and holding elected officials accountable for their political affiliations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, political analysts and citizens alike will be watching closely to see how the courts address the complex issues surrounding party loyalty, electoral mandates, and the rights of political parties to maintain their membership integrity.
The case promises to have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political dynamics and the future of party politics in the country.
