The Peoples Democratic Party has reacted to the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress, downplaying the significance of the move and expressing faith in divine intervention to steer the party through the latest political upheaval.
The defection of the two key Delta leaders, along with their political structure, was formalised on Wednesday, marking the end of PDP’s 26-year dominance in Delta State, a region popularly referred to as the ‘Big Heart’ of the nation. The PDP had held power in the state since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Speaking at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja during the presentation of the certificate of return to the PDP’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, addressed the development with a mix of disappointment and resolve.
Describing the defection as “very sad and unfortunate,” especially in view of the PDP’s longstanding commitment to Delta State, Damagum noted, “We gave them everything, supported for the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them.”
Despite the blow, the party leader assured supporters of the PDP’s resilience, citing historical precedence and the party’s capacity to weather internal and external storms.
“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing,” he said.
He drew a comparison with the 2023 presidential election, referencing Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s strong performance without the support of any sitting governor.
“Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he stated.
Damagum maintained that the outcome of the 2027 general election would not hinge on how many governors or political bigwigs a party could boast of, but rather on the lived experiences of ordinary Nigerians.
“The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians,” he declared.
He cautioned that while defections may be achieved through influence or inducement, the final verdict would rest with the people. “Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering. This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves.”
Reinforcing his belief that the current hardship in the country was a direct result of the APC’s policies, Damagum reiterated the party’s commitment to standing by the Nigerian people.
“Policies are meant for people, no one else because you make policy and it’s not for the ordinary people,” he said.
He acknowledged that the PDP would face numerous challenges ahead, but insisted none were insurmountable. Expressing confidence in divine guidance, he added, “We will experience a lot of challenges but there is no challenge that is insurmountable. I thank God we are all people of faith.”
Damagum concluded on a spiritual note, asserting that no political manoeuvre could override divine will. “We know there is a limit to whatever one can do other than what God has designed. You may have your own tactics where you cannot outplay God. We leave our faith in the hands of God and we believe He will help us out of this great situation.”
