Get Guardian on GoogleSpeculations surrounding the possible defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified.
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 reported that several defections from the PDP’s Delta South Ijaw bloc to the APC had already taken place, describing the momentum as significant.
Among those present at the meeting were Raymos Guana, High Chief Mike Seikegba, Mr Joe Ekiyor, Sir Theodore Ezonfade, Chief Davi Omare, Ebitonmo A. Alapala, Chief Promise Lawuru, Wurus Fortune, (Engr.) Joseph Izonowei Sozaowei, and Comrade Blackman Edisemi Mule.
Addressing concerns about alleged internal divisions within the APC, Johnny dismissed such claims, stating that the party leadership in Delta remains united.
“We are not aligned with any so-called faction or clique,” he said. “We are fully loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Joel Onowakpo-Thomas.”
The group passed a vote of confidence on Tinubu and other senior APC leaders, commending their role in promoting development across the Niger Delta, including the appointment of several Delta South indigenes to federal positions.
Johnny urged party members to remain united and supportive as the region positions itself for deeper political engagement ahead of the next election cycle
