The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has responded with a tone of resilience following the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing to an end PDP’s 26-year reign in the state.
Delta, dubbed the ‘Big Heart’ of the nation, has been under PDP’s control since the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999. However, the recent political shift dealt a blow to the party’s stronghold in the oil-rich state.
Speaking during the presentation of a certificate of return to the PDP’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra election, Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, downplayed the significance of the defection.
Describing the move as “very sad and unfortunate,” Damagum expressed disappointment, particularly given PDP’s unwavering support for both Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, who was also the party’s vice presidential candidate in 2023.
“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta. 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,” he said.
Yet, Damagum remained defiant, invoking the example of Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who left the PDP to run for president without gubernatorial backing and still pulled a significant number of votes.
“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he stated.
He noted that the 2027 general election would not be defined by political alliances or elite endorsements but by the will of suffering 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.”
According to Damagum, defections may be driven by coercion or self-interest, but the ultimate power lies with ordinary citizens who are enduring the impact of current economic policies.
“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.”
He concluded with a message of hope and faith:
“We will experience a lot of challenges but there is no challenge that is insurmountable. I thank God we are all people of faith.
“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.”
