Delta Governor Set to Dump PDP for APC
Baring any last minute change of mind, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta state has concluded plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, to All Progressives Congress APC.
The planned defection may not be unconnected to the internal crisis rocking PDP in Delta state.
There has been a discreet battle between the Governor and his god-father and immediate past Governor Ifeanyi Okowa over the control of the party structures and alleged plans by Okowa to seek for senatorial ticket in 2027.
This in-fighting has created some factions within PDP. While some top party members are loyal to the incumbent Governor, majority of the party structures and some top party stalwarts still take instructions from Okowa, thereby raising concerns on the Oborevwori's second term ambition.
Sources close to the Governor revealed that Oborevwori has been romancing with some top Presidency officials and the Presidency and Governor Babajife Samwo- Olu of Lagos state to perfect plans on subsequent defection.
If that happens, APC would have had 3 states in South South geo-political zone.
Expressing worry over the development, Concerned leaders of People's Democratic Party PDP in Delta state had written an open letter demanding for an explanation on the rumoured defection to APC.
In a statement titled the CONCERNED LEADERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) to
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, issued on Saturday and jointly signed by Theophelius Ekiyor, Ochuko Oghenekome, and Ezekiel Chukwudi, the elders said they demand further clarification on the rumours of Governor's alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
The statement reads in part: "We, the CONCERNED LEADERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
in Delta State, are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections."
*The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress (APC).*
"That you have been secretly romancing top aides to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."
"Top presidential aide and allies of the President, mentioned as your point men for your new venture, include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Femi Gbajabiamila and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda."
"Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC."
"In this regard, we are deeply troubled by these flying and unconfirmed rumours."
"We therefore demand prompt clarification from you to put us in the picture.
"We also demand that you state in clear terms why you are clandestinely holding nocturnal engagements with a handful of leaders of APC in the State?"
"Additionally, there are complaints of your sponsoring dissident groups within the APC in the state.
"This tactic is believed to be aimed at creating more divisions within the party to pave the way for your eventual defection."
"We are also aware that some top leaders of the APC in the State Working Committee are on your payroll. Some of these leaders have received appointments for their boys and regularly get financial gratification, in exchange for their loyalty and support."
"We are very disappointed for this betrayal of trust and confidence.
"Moreso, the majority of us in PDP who toiled for your emergence as governor are yet to be rewarded in whatever form in almost two years of your reign.
"We condemn your regular liaisons with members of APC within and outside the state. It is sad that you are openly identifying with the opposition in the state.
"It's more worrisome because the same your very self has been keeping grudges with party faithfuls found to be remotely associating with opposition elements.
"Why your sudden loss of faith in PDP? Is it because you knew that you could not win the return ticket on the platform of our party in view of your abysmal performance and policy of exclusion and winner takes all?"
"With the government of "family affairs" deeply entrenched and policy of use and dump of especially, the critical elements who facilitated your emergence as the flag's bearer of our party, you surely have a cause to worry about your fate in 2027.
"We cannot afford to have our party's fortunes decimated and undermined by your personal ambition. Our greatest worries are the teeming PDP representatives in various elective positions and other party faithfuls, who are desirous of contesting elections in 2027.
"Now that you, as governor and leader of the party, is planning to abandon it to contest under the APC, under what party should they express their aspirations? Or are they going to move along with you to the APC?
"In this respect, we demand transparency and openness, over your intent to jump ship.
"We therefore won't allow anyone to scuttle our well- earned place in the hearts of the people. We will not stand idly and watch, while the party's fortunes are undermined and frittered away through your inordinate desperation to remain as governor at all cost."
"In light of the foregoing, we urge you to clear the air and reassure us of your loyalty, integrity and unwavering commitment to the PDP. We await your prompt response," they stated.
