The recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has triggered a wave of mixed reactions across the state. Many have expressed shock and disappointment over what they describe as an unexpected political shift.
Among the critics is prominent Ijaw rights activist, Mr. Austin Ozobo, who took to social media to express his disapproval. In a Facebook post, Ozobo said he felt let down by the governor’s decision. “It’s no longer news that Governor Oborevwori has defected to the APC. It’s heartbreaking. I never imagined he would be the one to destroy the PDP in Delta for personal benefit,” he wrote.
Several PDP members, speaking anonymously, echoed similar sentiments. They described the governor’s move as a betrayal of the party and its supporters who worked tirelessly to secure his victory at the polls. “It’s disappointing. After everything the party did for him, he just walked away. We wish him well anyway,” one member said.
Some party loyalists compared the situation to that of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who maintained his position within the PDP while working with the APC-led federal government. “Oborevwori could have stayed in PDP and still aligned strategically with President Tinubu.
Despite the backlash, others have welcomed the governor’s decision. Sir Sunny Mene, former Organizing Secretary of the APC in Delta State, applauded the defection. He likened political parties to churches that are always open to new members.
“Political parties are like churches — their doors remain open to new converts. The more, the merrier. As a leader in the APC, I welcome Governor Oborevwori and his team,” Mene said.
The governor’s defection — along with that of his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP stalwarts — signals a major realignment in Delta’s political terrain, casting uncertainty over the future of the PDP as the 2027 elections approach.