Tinubu Hails Oborevwori, Okowa’s Defection as ‘Political Tsunami’, As Oborevwori Calls Defection “Movement”
ASABA/Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday described the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a “political tsunami of unimaginable proportions.”
Speaking at the Cenotaph in Asaba, where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu praised the historic shift, saying it marked an unprecedented realignment in the political landscape of the South-South region. “This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportion that has never happened in the history of the South-South and barely in the history of Nigeria,” he said.
He commended the unity between Oborevwori and Okowa, noting that such a cordial relationship between a sitting and former governor was rare. “Senator Okowa, you are indeed a great leader. And Governor Oborevwori, for embracing him, you are an even greater leader,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting the scale of the defection, the President noted that all National Assembly members from Delta, the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly, numerous House of Representatives members, the Governor’s entire cabinet, and 500 councillors from the 25 local government areas had moved to the APC.
Tinubu assured the defectors of their full integration into the party, stressing that the APC’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate differences and foster dialogue. “We welcome you not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found your rightful place among us,” he said.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori described the move as a “historic movement,” pledging to unify the APC in Delta State and secure victory in future elections. “This is not a defection; it’s a movement. We have consulted widely, and today, we have all moved together,” Oborevwori said.
He emphasized that Delta State, having been in opposition for nearly a decade, needed to align with the center to better serve its people. “We cannot face President Tinubu in 2027 and work against him after all the support he has shown Delta State. We must reciprocate that love,” he added.
Oborevwori vowed to end factionalism in the Delta APC, promising strong leadership and a united front. “There will be no more factions. The Governor takes charge, and we are taking charge,” he declared.
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, lauded the peaceful relationship between Oborevwori and Okowa, describing it as exemplary. He said the party’s core values of progressive leadership and internal democracy aligned with Oborevwori’s governance style.
Similarly, Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, hailed the development as historic, urging Deltans to rally behind their Governor.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa explained that the decision to defect was made for the collective good of the state. He noted that while Governor Oborevwori was performing well, aligning with the federal government would strengthen development efforts in Delta.
“We are connecting with Abuja to ensure our state benefits fully. It’s about the prosperity of Delta State, not personal ambition,” Okowa said.
The ceremony witnessed a massive turnout, including 16 APC governors, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and other top party leaders.
