The political landscape in Delta State has plunged into turmoil following Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s dramatic defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), MONDAY OSAYANDE reports.
Instead of strengthening the party, Oborevwori’s move has deepened internal divisions, igniting fierce power struggles among established factions and newcomers alike. This instability raises serious doubts about the APC’s cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Despite attracting many politicians from other parties, the APC remains fractured, plagued by infighting and lacking coherent leadership. The governor’s defection, initially seen as a strategic boost, has failed to unify the party. Instead, it has pitted old guards against new entrants, exacerbating unresolved leadership disputes.
Oborevwori boldly declared after joining the APC that all factions must yield to his leadership, rejecting allegiance to any group, including the prominent Omo-Agege and Keyamo camps. Yet, on the ground, this promise remains unfulfilled, with ongoing internal wrangling undermining party unity.
Vice President Kashim Shettima endorsed Oborevwori as the APC’s state leader, emphasizing adherence to party traditions. Still, Delta APC is split between loyalists of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy Senate President and 2023 APC gubernatorial candidate, and the new wave led by Oborevwori and his ally, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Omo-Agege, a formidable political force in the South-South, remains unwilling to relinquish control despite Oborevwori’s claims and endorsements, deepening the party’s leadership crisis. Observers view Oborevwori’s bid as an attempt to override a party structure built before his arrival.
Delta APC’s Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, insists the governor’s leadership is undisputed, citing Shettima’s backing. However, grassroots support remains divided, and the governor’s cautious approach risks worsening tensions.
Complicating matters, former Governor James Ibori’s ambiguous stance adds unpredictability. His historic influence and estrangement from Okowa make him a wildcard in the evolving power dynamics.
The turmoil extends to senatorial districts, notably Delta North, where Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme and Senator Ned Nwoko clash over party leadership ahead of a June 14 meeting. Onyeme claims the traditional role of political convener belongs to the deputy governor, citing past administrations, while Nwoko’s camp argues the meeting follows established APC protocols, dismissing claims of a power struggle.
The Labour Party (LP), capitalizing on the chaos, mocks the mass defection as a self-serving political spectacle. LP’s South-South National Vice Chairman, Chief Tony Ezeagwu, condemns the move as a waste of resources and a scramble for influence rather than ideological realignment. He predicts continued infighting within the bloated APC and heralds LP as the sole viable opposition in Delta State.
Ezeagwu also warns that many defectors may eventually return to other parties, suggesting the PDP’s dominance in Delta is effectively over.
As the leadership battle rages on, its outcome will significantly influence the APC’s political future in Delta State.
