Tinubu's Storm: Govs Line Up for APC as Ganduje Claims Victory
On Monday, Vice President Kashim Shettima formally welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, ex-governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP members who switched parties at the Cenotaph in Asaba, which serves as the state capital. This event was attended by Umar, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, who indicated that additional governors were likely to follow suit and also defect to his party.
There was considerable anticipation about the storm brewing prior to the significant switch when the PDP’s ex-vice-presidential contender, Okowa; along with Governor Oborevwori and the whole PDP organization inDelta—one of the previous ruling party's key bastions—made their move.
Last Monday, Delta Deputy Governor Onyeme, along with state commissioners, local government chairmen, and the grassroots segment of his party, transitioned collectively to the APC following a private gathering in Asaba the previous week. This shift occurred amidst what has been termed 'Hurricane Tinubu,' an event that caused significant fragmentation within the PDP. The opposing side asserts that this development could lead Nigeria toward becoming a single-party system.
Previously, the PDP dominated the South-South region. However, following this week's formal switch, the governing party now counts among its allies three governors from the area—those of Edo, Cross River, and Delta states—while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa remain under the control of PDP opposition governors. The temporary suspension of Rivers State Governor Simon Lalong leaves his political standing uncertain.
Political observers believe it won't be long before Hurricane Tinubu makes its way across the whole area, as Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has already expressed backing for President Bola Tinubu’s quest for a second term. Meanwhile, Bayelsa PDP caretaker chairman, George Turnbull, asserts that his party will continue to support the president regardless of whether Governor Douye Diri does so or not.
On Monday, speaking in Asaba, Shettima stated that the South-South region witnessed historical events as all members of the PDP fromDelta State chose to defect en masse and join the governing APC party.
He stated, "This represents an unprecedented surge, with every member of the Upper House belonging to the APC; this includes the governor along with his complete cabinet, lawmakers, local government chairpersons, and various key figures within the party."
Ever since the party was formed, numerous forecasts were made predicting our downfall; some armchair critics claimed we wouldn't get far. But today, history has proven them wrong as many individuals are now rallying with the progressive movement to advance the country.
Feel free to join our celebration; you're not just visitors but full participants in the event. We embrace you not as outsiders but as siblings, not merely as attendees but as part of our family.
According to the APC constitution, the governor holds the position of party leader; therefore, your responsibility is to guide the party in the state towards even greater achievements.
Governor Oborevwori expressed regret over their long-standing position as an opposing force for nearly a decade and stated that they now felt compelled to align with the governing party.
What you've witnessed today is a movement rather than a defection," he stated. "We have been in opposition for nearly a decade. President Bola Tinubu showed us kindness inDelta, so our aim is to spread this goodwill.
We can't express love externally; therefore, we need to be within to demonstrate it. My actions speak louder than my words. We've engaged stakeholders across various tiers. The President has extended his affection towards us. It would not be feasible for us to oppose him in 2027. By consulting broadly, one realizes that love is intrinsic.
"I do not subscribe to the factions led by Festus Keyamo and Omo-Agege; I am the leader of the APC in Delta, and everyone needs to fall in line," stated Oborevwori.
The governor, who rationalized shifting the complete PDP structure from the ward level to the state level within the APC, urged other governors to participate in this transition.
Ganduje boasts
The National Chairman of APC, Umar Ganduje, praised the President during his speech for demonstrating effective leadership across the nation.
He praised both the current governor and his predecessor, Okowa, for their courageous move into the APC, expressing confidence in the party’s commitment to progress, accountability, openness, and transparency.
Ganduje commended the other APC governors for their backing, stating that with Oborevwori joining them, the APC currently has 22 state leaders.
"I want to express my gratitude to our 21 executive governors. Today, we welcome the 22nd governor into our fold. I urge all of you to stay vigilant — additional governors will be joining us shortly," Ganduje remarked as he presented the APC flag to Oborevwori.
Additionally, Okowa referred to the defection as a rightful and well-timed choice on Wednesday of the previous week, mentioning it marks an undoubtedly significant day for Delta State.
Okowa, who led Delta State as its governor from 2015 to 2023, stated that the choice stemmed from the necessity to forge more robust relationships with the central Federal Government.
"As I mentioned that day, this wasn’t about me nor the governor. It’s about our necessity to link up with Abuja—where the good intentions and resources lie, whichDelta significantly contributes to—and tap into them. Having served as governor for eight years, I gave it my all, yet we suffered many losses. Therefore, I didn’t think the current governor should continue his diligent work without accessing those available resources," said Okowa.
“However, since the current governor is working hard for our benefit, he must also establish connections with the broader sources of power, resources, and good will in Abuja," the previous governor commented.
He characterized the action as daring, patriotic, and motivated by good intentions. "Following the stakeholders' meeting, when we gathered to discuss, we felt that taking this step was essential. This initiative is daring, it embodies patriotism, and it stems from noble purposes. Ultimately, it serves the highest interests of our state."
Otu hails Oborevwori
In the meantime, Senator Bassey Otu, who serves as the Governor of Cross River State, has asserted that the increasing trend of politicians joining the APC is driven by President Tinubu’s impressive performance rather than any strategic political maneuvers.
According to a press release from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Nsa Gill, Governor Otu attended an event where he officially welcomed new members joining the APC. During this occasion, Governor Otu emphasized that Oborevwori’s decision to join their ranks goes beyond mere politics; it represents a well-considered and brave step towards fulfilling rising expectations for a more prosperous Delta State, a thriving Niger Delta region, and a robust nation of Nigeria.
Governor Otu remarked, "His Excellency's choice to hop aboard the progressive train significantly underscores their dedication to equitable administration, environmental progress, and national cohesion. I firmly believe that under this guidance, we will strengthen our shared determination to bring about democratic benefits for all citizens and propel the Renewed Hope Agenda initiated by President Bola Tinubu," he expressed.
He highlighted that Cross River, which had long been the sole APC-controlled state in the South-South, was now part of a broader coalition alongside Delta and Edo states, carrying forward the progressive torch together. This shift heralds a fresh era of reinforced political restructuring within the area.
"More and more Southern Hemisphere countries governed by the APC are turning this vision into reality," Otu stated.
Governor Otu characterized the massive shift of members from the Delta PDP as an unprecedented event, suggesting it would pave the way for increased local cooperation, expedite economic progress, and enhance overall political security.
As the Vice Chairman of the South-South Governors' Forum, he encouraged Governor Oborevwori, prominent political figures, and their followers—who have recently become part of the APC—to leverage their extensive knowledge and ability to rally local communities towards achieving a prosperous South-South region and a revitalized Nigeria.
Turnah charges Diri
In Bayelsa, it may not take much time for a political storm to disrupt the framework of the main opposition party. This comes as George Turnah, the state’s PDP caretaker head and founder of the New Associates—a faction supporting Nyesom Wike—inaugurated this group over the weekend. He urged Governor Diri to clarify his allegiance ahead of the upcoming 2027 elections.
He contended that virtually all the governors from South-South backed Tinubu, regardless of which political parties they belonged to.
He stated, "I would like to officially request Governor Douye Diri to promptly declare his position on the 2027 presidency, allowing Bayelsans to understand their stance."
If he is backing President Tinubu, he needs to announce it publicly. However, if he plans to join forces with other contenders, he ought to make that clear as well. This way, we can decide how to proceed. It’s evident that Nyesom Wike has clearly expressed his support for President Tinubu. Should our governor declare his allegiance to Tinubu tomorrow, we would collaborate with him. Otherwise, we will rally efforts independently to back Tinubu.
In 2019, southern governors convened in Asaba and reached a consensus that leadership should revert to the South. Nevertheless, certain individuals chose not to honor this decision. Ultimately, however, Tinubu from Southern Nigeria assumed the presidency.
Turnah added, "Although Tinubu isn’t part of my party, PDP, once a leader assumes office, they become the President of Nigeria, and we should rally behind him."
Being opposition isn’t about scheming for leaders to falter. Should a leader thrive, the populace thrives as well. The role of the opposition is to ensure leaders fulfill their duties toward the public. There shouldn’t be an immediate push to oust a leader who’s doing well. At the appropriate moment, the PDP will determine its course.
2,004 join APC
Similarly, as many as 2,004 supporters from the PDP and the New Nigeria Peoples Party defected to the APC in Jigawa State.
During the sixth Government and Citizens Engagement program held on Sunday at Buji Local Government Area, Governor Umar Namadi addressed the issue of political defections. He greeted the new arrivals warmly, showing his pleasure over the increasing backing for the APC within the state.
"We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to our newest additions to the APC family," he stated.
"This departure underscores the positive efforts we are making in Jigawa State, and we remain committed to advancing the development of our state," Namadi stated additionally.
Namadi guaranteed the newly joined members of the APC of fair treatment, equal opportunities, and inclusion within the party. He pledged to keep them involved alongside other members, stating, "Your opinions will remain audible, acknowledged, and cherished."
We commit to treating all individuals fairly and providing them with the chance to play a role in fostering the party’s expansion and progress.
“We need your support and good counsel to drive our development agenda forward and together, we can achieve great things and take Jigawa State to new heights,” Namadi emphasized.
Previously, the defectors, headed by Idris Maikura, declared, "We have witnessed the effective initiatives implemented by Governor Umar Namadi, and we feel that the APC offers the optimal framework for realizing our aspirations for progress. We firmly believe that the APC has what it takes to elevate Jigawa State to new heights, and we are enthusiastic about joining this movement."
The defection has prompted responses from different angles, includingAli Diginsa, the PDP state chairman, who voiced his dissatisfaction.
Dinginsa informed The PUNCH, "We expected this, yet we feel let down. These persons left the PDP for their own benefit, and they won’t be missed."
Attempts to contact the leader of the NNPP in the state, Aminu Ringim, were unsuccessful, as his telephone number remained unreachable despite multiple efforts by our reporter to get in touch with him.
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