The Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and a host of local government chairmen and party executives have defected en masse from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The move, announced after a meeting at Government House in Asaba, is expected to significantly alter political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former gubernatorial aspirant and pioneer PDP chairman in the state, Senator James Manager, said the decision followed extensive consultations. He described the PDP as “an irretrievably sinking ship” and questioned the party’s viability in challenging the APC in 2027.

The mass defection is widely seen as a strategic effort to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Sources indicate that more defections from South-South states, including Akwa Ibom and Rivers, may occur before the 29 May deadline allegedly set for intending joiners. However, the Akwa Ibom State Government has denied any plans for Governor Umo Eno to switch parties.

The APC’s National Working Committee and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have welcomed the new entrants, calling Delta a “valuable addition” to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Meanwhile, former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Minister Wike to leave the party, citing their alleged anti-party conduct.

In a related move, six-term lawmaker Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State) has also resigned from the PDP, reportedly after consulting with his political base.

Manager, flanked by state officials and aides during the announcement, said the defection was driven by a pragmatic recognition that the PDP could no longer provide a credible challenge at the national level.