By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Monday declared that he has officially taken charge of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state.
Oborevwori made the declaration when he officially led all leaders and members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State into the All Progressives Congress(APC) in a big ceremony in Asaba.
The atmosphere was electrifying as thousands of supporters, state officials, and national political heavyweights gathered to witness what many now describe as a “political tsunami”, the complete collapse of PDP structures in Delta into APC.
Governor Oborevwori made it clear that; “this is not mere defection but a movement. We consulted widely from the National Assembly, the leadership, stakeholders at the state, local government, and ward levels. We have all agreed that we must move together”.
He stressed that the decision was born out of gratitude for the support shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and a genuine desire to work from within to bring meaningful development to the people of Delta State.
“You can’t repay love from outside. You have to be inside to do it and do it well,” Oborevwori stated.
He however, dismissed any talk of divisions within the APC in Delta State, saying; “as I have come, there will be no more faction. In APC, the governor is the leader of the party in the state. I don’t believe in any faction, everybody must queue behind the party structure”.
However, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who graced the occasion and represented President Bola Tinubu, hailed the move as a historic political shift in the South-South region.
He described the event as a “political tsunami,” noting that it is rare to see an entire government: governor, deputy governor, all National Assembly members from the state, the State House of Assembly, 500 councillors, all council chairmen, and ward executives move en masse into another party.
“What testimony could be greater than this?” Shettima asked. “You are now not just members; you are leader of the APC.”
He further affirmed that according to APC’s constitution, the governor is the leader of the party structure in his state, sending a clear message that Oborevwori is now fully in charge of the Delta APC.
Shettima made a passionate appeal to the Oborevwori to carry his friend, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege along in the leadership of the party.
On his part, Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, showered praises on Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
Uzodimma described Oborevwori’s move to the APC as wise and timely, assuring Deltans that this will take the state to even greater heights.
“This is a win-win for everyone. Support your governor. Support the APC. Support development,” Uzodimma said.
Also speaking, the immediate past Delta governor and PDP Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 general, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said the move was carefully thought out and widely consulted before it was made.
“I have sacrificed everything for the best interest of Delta, and this decision is no different,” Okowa explained.
He urged all Deltans, whether old APC members or new ones, to embrace each other and work together in unity.
“Together, we can dominate the politics of Delta State. We must support the governor and Mr. President to bring true development to our people,” Okowa concluded.
As the Cenotaph, the venue of the declaration rocked with chants of victory and unity, it became clear that Delta’s political equation has changed forever.
No fewer than 16 governors, the National Chairman of APC, Abudullahi Ganduje, many APC national leaders, amongst all graced the occasion.
Daybreak Nigeria learnt that Delta, once an opposition state has now firmly embraced the center, a realignment that could define elections and governance in years to come.
The message was simple but powerful: Delta State is no longer in opposition. It has joined the Renewed Hope Agenda, and Governor Oborevwori is leading the charge with full authority and a united APC structure behind him.
