President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially welcomed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other senior members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the political shift as a historic milestone.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday at a grand reception in Asaba, Tinubu portrayed the mass movement of the PDP political structure in Delta State to the APC as “a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions.”
“What can be greater than the promise of this day? This is a political tsunami of unimaginable proportions that has never happened in the history of the South-South region and scarcely in the history of this country,” Shettima said on the President’s behalf.
He pointed out that the defection involved not only the governor but also the entire political establishment of the PDP in Delta, including senators, House of Assembly members, members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, and over 500 councillors across the state’s 25 local government areas.
In his address, Tinubu underlined the spirit of inclusiveness within the APC, stating: “We welcome you not as defectors but as brothers and sisters who have found your rightful place amongst us. We welcome you not as guests but as family. We welcome you as fellow architects of a better Nigeria.”
He added, “This historic day, therefore, is both a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC and a tribute to the vision, courage, and foresight of the great giants we have come to welcome into the hall of fame of our political party.”
Recognising the unusual harmony between Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa, Tinubu commended their leadership and cooperation.
“Senator Okowa, you are indeed a great leader, and Governor Oborevwori, for embracing him, for treating him with respect and decorum, you are an even greater leader,” he said.
Responding, Governor Oborevwori insisted that the move was not a defection but a “movement,” saying the decision followed extensive consultations at all levels of political leadership within the state.
“What you have seen here today is a movement; it is not a defection. We cannot carry last. Mr President has supported us, he has shown us love. We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. That love he has shown to us in Delta State, we must reciprocate it,” he declared.
The governor vowed to unify the APC in Delta and lead the party to electoral success. “As I have come, there will be no faction again. Let me tell you, APC is not like PDP. The governor takes charge, and we are taking charge,” Oborevwori stated.
Also speaking, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said the decision to switch allegiance was driven by the state’s interests, not personal ambitions.
“It was not about personal ambitions but the need to connect to Abuja, where significant goodwill and resources exist, especially since the state is a major contributor,” Okowa said.
He stressed the importance of unity moving forward, urging both longstanding and new members of the APC to work hand in hand for the progress of Delta State.
The National Chairman of the APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, echoed Tinubu’s remarks, welcoming the Delta leaders and their supporters into the party.
“You are a progressive governor, and we are welcoming you for coming home,” Ganduje said.
Uzodinma described the event as “historic and special” for the life of the APC and called on Deltans to continue supporting the governor as he builds on his achievements.
The high-profile ceremony, held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, drew 16 APC governors, National Assembly leaders, and a massive crowd of supporters from across the 25 local government areas of Delta State.
