The Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba on Wednesday and was confirmed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon.
The governor’s camp described the move as the outcome of extensive consultations with political stakeholders.
His supporters said the decision was made in the interest of Delta State’s long-term development.
Before this move, Delta State was traditionally considered a PDP stronghold.
Earlier, Oborevwori reportedly attended a gathering of Delta Ijaw APC leaders in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, where he was received by party chieftains.
In a video that has since gone viral, party members were seen chanting “On your mandate we shall stand,” a common chorus of President Bola Tinubu, the leader of the APC.
The meeting was led by High Chief Michael Johnny, a prominent figure in the Delta APC, who told attendees that the governor’s defection was only a matter of time.
“Sheriff is coming to APC. Forget what you hear on social media,” Johnny declared. “As Ijaw people, we welcome anyone who wishes to join the APC. The day you are ready, we are ready to receive you.”
Johnny also disclosed that several defections from the PDP’s Delta South Ijaw bloc to the APC had already taken place.