In a dramatic shake-up of Nigeria’s political landscape, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, former Vice Presidential candidate Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing with them the entire PDP structure in the state.

Describing the event as unprecedented, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, at a rally in Asaba, said the mass defection marks “the greatest political tsunami ever witnessed in Nigeria.”

“This is the first time in our political history that a governor has defected with his entire political structure—from ward to state level, including elected and appointed officers,” Shettima stated.

He praised Oborevwori’s move as a “bold step” and declared him the new leader of the APC in Delta State.

“You are not tenants in the party but co-owners. Together, we shall build a Nigeria of our dreams,” Shettima added, extending an open hand of welcome to the defectors.

APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje called the defection “historic and patriotic,” suggesting it would position Delta State for stronger national integration and development.

He was joined at the event by several APC heavyweights, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Governor Oborevwori said the oil-rich state could no longer afford to remain on the sidelines of national politics.

“This is not just a political shift; it is a patriotic movement in the best interest of our state,” he declared.

He pledged to reconcile any grievances among party members in order to maintain unity within the new APC family.

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Okowa breaks silence on defection to APC

Former Governor Okowa echoed similar sentiments, saying his decision to defect was driven by the state’s prolonged marginalisation at the national level despite being a key contributor to the country’s economy.

“We have played second fiddle for too long. This is the right step forward,” he said.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, underscoring the high political stakes of the momentous realignment.

Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, has thrown his weight behind a southern presidential candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, citing the need for fairness in national leadership.

Speaking on Tuesday during a condolence visit to Senator Rowland Owie following the death of his wife, Lady Helen Owie, Igbinedion emphasised that power must return to the South for the sake of justice and equity.

“I remain committed to the PDP and its ideals. But more importantly, justice demands that the South should produce the next president,” he said.

Amid growing talk of political coalitions aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expected reelection bid, Igbinedion affirmed that any credible southern PDP candidate would have his full backing.

The former governor also downplayed the wave of recent defections plaguing the PDP, describing them as a routine feature of Nigeria’s political landscape.

READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria can still be fixed, but not under Tinubu’ – ex-APC chieftain

“I don’t worry so much about the defections because I know Nigerian politicians — they swing from one side to the other.

“If anything happens tomorrow, you’ll see those people that defected coming back to the PDP,” he remarked

He predicted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may soon lose steam: “The APC is having its turn now, but they will be deflated sooner or later.”

While reaffirming loyalty to the PDP, Igbinedion left room for change, noting that only time and divine providence will determine whether the PDP regains dominance or a new political force emerges.

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As Nigeria’s 2027 general elections approach, political tremors are rattling Kebbi State with former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), emerging as a likely contender for governor, possibly under a new party banner.

Sources close to Malami confirm he is under significant pressure to leave the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and accept the governorship ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The effort is reportedly being coordinated by Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor who is building a northern political coalition to challenge the APC’s dominance.

“Malami is watching closely. If Governor Idris defects from the APC, Malami might stay and fight from within. But if the governor remains, he may jump ship to the SDP,” a confidant of the former AGF revealed.

Is Gov Idris Dumping APC?

Speculation about Governor Nasir Idris‘ possible defection to an opposition bloc led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has only fueled uncertainty, though the governor has publicly denied such claims.

“There is pressure from Atiku’s camp, but the governor has no plans to defect. He maintains a good relationship with the federal government. PDP and SDP are no threat in Kebbi,” a senior cabinet official asserted.

Despite this, insiders confirm that El-Rufai has already met with Malami and other northern leaders in Katsina to map out a strategy to challenge the Tinubu-led APC in 2027.

“This isn’t just about Kebbi. It’s about reshaping northern political power,” a source revealed.

One senior SDP official believes Malami could capitalise on Idris’ declining popularity.

“The governor is under fire for rising insecurity and poor infrastructure. Malami, if strategic, can exploit this,” he said.

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Kabir Mustapha, a former ANPP secretary and current APC chieftain, dismissed the notion: “You don’t substitute your best player mid-game. Talk of defection is beer parlour gossip. Malami cannot match the governor’s political capital.”

Though Malami enjoys pockets of strong support in Birnin Kebbi, Argungu, and Gwandu, his appeal across the state remains uncertain. Some voters still remember his controversial tenure as AGF.