The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared Governor Sheriff Oborevwori the official leader of the party in the state, solidifying his new role following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This announcement was conveyed through a press statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, on Tuesday. The statement followed Oborevwori’s formal switch to the APC on Monday, April 28, 2025.
According to the APC, the leadership transition is in line with the party’s established tradition, where incumbent governors automatically assume the role of party leader within their states.
“The matter is not open to debate,” Onojeghuo stated. “This is a well-entrenched principle that applies across all APC-controlled states.”
He noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima publicly affirmed this stance during the defection ceremony, describing the governor’s new leadership role as the official position of the party’s national leadership.
“The Vice President’s declaration is not merely symbolic—it is binding on all members of the APC in Delta State,” Onojeghuo emphasized.
In a sharp rebuke of any internal opposition, the APC cautioned that attempts by individuals to challenge Governor Oborevwori’s leadership status would not be tolerated. The statement described such moves as “arrogant, divisive, and provocative,” adding that any continued self-proclamation of party leadership outside the governor’s authority would attract disciplinary consequences.
Party officials stressed the need for unity, expressing full support for Governor Oborevwori and his M.O.R.E. development agenda.
“Our focus is on governance and delivering progress to the people of Delta,” the statement added. “Any action that seeks to distract from that goal will be firmly resisted.”
The APC also issued a stern warning to party stakeholders, urging them to align with the current reality or face sanctions.
While some political observers have noted potential friction among long-standing party members, insiders say the party’s national directive leaves little room for ambiguity.
With Oborevwori now firmly at the helm of APC affairs in Delta, attention is expected to shift to how he consolidates his influence and steers the party through upcoming political contests.
