From Abubakar Yusuf
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have raised concerns over Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday, the group accused the governor of betraying the PDP, citing his recent interactions with APC leaders and what they described as "desperate attempts to secure a soft landing" with the ruling party.
The statement, signed by party leaders Theophilus Ekiyor, Ochuko Oghenekome, and Ezekiel Chukwudi, was titled “2027: Our Leader, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is Assuredly in the Transfer Market.” The group claimed that Oborevwori's defection plans were well underway, likening the political maneuvering to a sports transfer market.
“It is clear from his discussions with APC leaders that Governor Oborevwori is preparing to abandon the PDP. His actions and body language point to an imminent defection,” the statement alleged.
The PDP leaders criticized the governor’s spokesperson, Festus Ahon, and the state PDP chairman, Solomon Arenyeka, accusing them of offering weak defenses and being unaware of the governor’s alleged plans. "Their attempts to dismiss the allegations as baseless are laughable. They are either uninformed or deliberately misleading the public," the statement read.
The group further alleged that Governor Oborevwori's recent visit to Ghana was part of efforts to finalize his defection plans. “His trip to Ghana, where he allegedly met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, raises serious questions about his loyalty to the PDP,” the statement said. They demanded clarity on the purpose of the trip, including whether it was funded with state resources.
Additionally, the group expressed concerns over Oborevwori’s sudden decision to pay allowances owed to APC lawmakers in the Delta State House of Assembly. They claimed this move was part of his strategy to secure goodwill within the APC ahead of his defection.
Describing the defection as a betrayal of trust, the PDP leaders warned the governor against jeopardizing the party's future in Delta State. “Governor Oborevwori was elected on the PDP platform. Abandoning the party would not only be a betrayal of our collective trust but also a disservice to the people of Delta State,” they said.
The statement concluded with a call to PDP members to remain vigilant and proactive as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
“We will not stand idly by while Governor Oborevwori undermines the PDP. If he proceeds with his defection, we will take all necessary measures to safeguard the party's interests and the future of Delta State,” the leaders affirmed.
The governor and his team are yet to issue an official response to the latest allegations.
