The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep disappointment over the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside several elected officials and party leaders, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at an event in Abuja to present the Certificate of Return to Jude Ezenwafor, PDP’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra State election, Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, described the development as both painful and unexpected.
Damagum highlighted that the party had shown significant support to Delta State, especially during the emergence of Oborevwori and his predecessor, who also served as PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
“It is very sad and unfortunate. If there’s any state that shouldn’t have taken this step, it’s Delta, because the party was very magnanimous to them,” Damagum said.
He noted that although the defectors did not accuse the party of wrongdoing, the decision still came as a betrayal of the trust and backing PDP had extended to them.
“The pains will be in us, not because of anything, but because we gave Delta all our support,” he added.
The PDP leadership is now set to restructure its presence in the state. Damagum stated that the party would immediately begin efforts to re-establish its control and set up a caretaker committee to manage affairs in Delta.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he emphasized that the outcome would be determined by the support of Nigerians, not by the number of governors affiliated with a party.
“This is a party that has seen more than that, but it’s still standing. We will take over our structures immediately,” he affirmed.
Damagum also used the occasion to encourage party unity, urging members to close ranks and focus on the goal of rescuing Nigeria.
He congratulated Jude Ezenwafor on becoming the PDP candidate for the Anambra governorship race, expressing confidence in the party’s chances of reclaiming the state.
Ezenwafor, in his remarks, expressed optimism about winning the election and pledged to prioritize security if elected.
“As a former senior special assistant to the governor on security, I will not take things for granted,” he said, describing Anambra as historically a PDP stronghold.
Ezenwafor was accompanied by his wife, members of the PDP State Working Committee in Anambra, and campaign officials.
