Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has dismissed Senator Bukola Saraki’s criticism of his defection, stating that the former Senate President lacks the moral authority to condemn his move. On Monday, key Delta political figures, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Okowa, and several appointees—formally joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). Reacting to the mass defection that saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure in the state collapse into the APC, Saraki issued a scathing statement, describing Okowa’s switch as a new low in Nigerian politics. Citing Okowa’s role as the PDP’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Saraki labeled the move “unprecedented” and a reflection of a deeper leadership crisis. “It is shocking and unbecoming. It’s simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity,” Saraki remarked. Reacting, Okowa, while speaking on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show” on Tuesday, said he does not expect someone like Saraki to comment about his decision to move to another political party. Okowa maintained that Saraki should not have the moral right to comment about defection because he, too, had once abandoned the PDP for the APC. “I did not expect that someone like Senator Bukola Saraki should be able to speak concerning me, because he knows that he had also moved to APC before and eventually return. So he has had movement to and fro. So, I don’t think that he has the moral right to even speak about my defection at all,” Okowa said. “Several things have been going on in the party. While I do not want to join issues with people, as stakeholders, our leaders in this state have sat down to look at the events in the last several months, and because of the events that we see and the communications coming out from the leadership of the PDP at the moment, it did not appear to us that that was a proper political vehicle for us to continue in, Okowa stated. Okowa asserted that the PDP governors’ rejection of a coalition coupled with the leadership crisis in the party suggested that the opposition party is not ready for competition in the 2027 election.

In a major political shakeup ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). During a well-attended ceremony at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the Delta capital, on Monday, Oborevwori, Okowa, and other key figures from the oil-rich state were officially welcomed into the APC, just days after publicly announcing their exit from the PDP. They were received by top APC leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Hope Uzodimma, chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum, among other party stalwarts. Speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori hailed the move as a historic milestone, saying it was driven by the commitment to securing the best future for Delta State. “What you have seen here today is a movement, not a defection. We have consulted stakeholders at all levels. Mr President has shown us love, “Oborevwori, who was a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, said during the ceremony on Monday. The governor said the decision to join the APC was made after consultations with stakeholders in the oil-rich state and based on President Bola Tinubu’s love for Delta. “We cannot face him in 2027 to work against him. When you consult widely, you can see that the love is organic,” the governor argued. “All our members in the Delta State House of Assembly have agreed to defect. The state exco, council chairmen, counselors, LG chairmen, and others are all moving to the APC,” Oborevwori noted. The disintegration of the PDP’s structure in Delta State came as a stunning surprise to millions of Nigerians, marking the end of the party’s 26-year dominance in the state and injecting new intrigue into the build-up to the next general elections. Notably, Okowa served as the PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 polls. The defection from one of the PDP’s traditional bastions has continued to spark widespread debate among citizens and political analysts. While the PDP admitted it was taken aback by the mass defection, the party insisted it remains unshaken by the political development. During the official reception of the defectors, Okowa re-echoed Oborevwori’s reason for the collapse of the PDP structure. The former lawmaker said the “bold” decision was in the “best interest of our people”. “Today is a great day for us in Delta State. We defected in the best interest of our people,” Okowa, who is also a former commissioner, told the crowd of supporters and other political topshots. “It was not about me or the governor, but the fact that there is a need for us to connect to Abuja. This is a bold, patriotic, and well-intentioned move.” Shettima, who was leading the APC delegation at the ceremony, welcomed the new members into the party. He said the defection is a testament to the progressive ideals of the Governor Oberevwori and his team in Delta State.

Amid a surge of defections rocking the ranks and strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday to tackle the crisis, Waffi TV reports. The current storm had long been anticipated, culminating in the dramatic defection of the PDP’s former vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the entire party structure in Delta State—a key stronghold of the former ruling party. Following a closed-door meeting in Asaba last week, Delta State Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, state commissioners, local government chairmen, and the grassroots party machinery defected en masse to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a fallout of what has been dubbed "Hurricane Tinubu," which has severely weakened the PDP. Opposition figures have warned that the country risks sliding into a de facto one-party system. The PDP is currently grappling with one of the most turbulent periods in its history since its founding in 1998. The loss of several federal lawmakers—including five-term House of Representatives member Oluwole Oke from Osun State—threatens to further erode the party’s competitiveness against the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Meanwhile, despite tensions within the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Senator Samuel Anyanwu—recently reaffirmed as National Secretary by the Supreme Court—has pledged to attend Tuesday’s NWC meeting. A senior party insider, speaking anonymously due to lack of authorization, said that the meeting would focus on the wave of defections to the APC and strategies to stem further losses. Internal divisions have plagued the PDP both before and after the 2023 elections, deepening instability at all levels. Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has faced mounting criticism since succeeding Iyorchia Ayu, with many state chapters and zonal structures—particularly in the South-South—reportedly in disarray. Disputes over the National Secretary position have also fractured the NWC, rendering it largely ineffective. Meanwhile, the terms of many Board of Trustees (BoT) members have expired without replacements, leaving the BoT fragmented and weakened. As previously reported exclusively by The PUNCH on February 18, over 300 PDP members defected to the APC between February 2024 and February 2025, mainly due to unresolved internal crises at both national and state levels. Similarly, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and Labour Party have also seen waves of defections to the APC, often triggered by internal disagreements. Most recently, on April 23, Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire Delta State PDP officially defected to the APC, dealing another major blow to the opposition party.

Kenneth Okonkwo, a former presidential campaign spokesperson for the Labour Party, has alleged that all the votes attributed to Peter Obi in the 2023 general elections were fabricated and assigned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Okonkwo expressed frustration that more than two years after the election, INEC has still not uploaded the polling unit results to its official portal, as required by law. He claimed that Peter Obi actually won the presidential election by over a million votes in states like Lagos, but INEC allegedly slashed his numbers, while in Rivers State, the results were manipulated and rewritten in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “There is no explanation to it till today. Recall that I said that they wrote the results. The result given to Obi was allocated to him, that’s written. Go to Rivers State,” he said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics. Reminded that the Supreme Court ruling had ended the matter, declaring the Tinubu and the APC winners of the presidential election, Okonkwo said, “No, the court is not telling you they wrote, or they did not write. The court is telling you, ‘you did not produce the evidence to show substantial evidence that they wrote’. Where will you bring the evidence?” Asked why his party could not assign polling unit agents across the polling units nationwide, the former LP man said, “Yes, that is what it ought to be. And even the Electoral Act recognizes that all the parties will not have the resources to have the agents in all the polling units, and that’s why the law always uses the word ‘may’. “Why do you need an agent if you are operating under INEC, an INEC that is not corrupt and that will not manipulate the result? INEC collected 400 billion naira to organize election in Nigeria.”

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday urged opposition figures to accept responsibility for their alleged mismanagement of party affairs instead of blaming him. He emphasised that politicians switching party affiliations is neither new nor unique to Nigeria, citing examples from more advanced democracies where prominent leaders have changed parties. The President dismissed claims that his administration is veering toward authoritarianism as unfounded and exaggerated, affirming that democracy in Nigeria remains strong and unthreatened. In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu questioned why defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), such as that of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), are being praised, while defections from opposition parties are criticised. The statement titled: “Democracy strong and alive in Nigeria, ignore alarmists”, partly read: “We have read the alarming claims of disgruntled opposition figures, some partisan human rights crusaders and emergency defenders of democracy over recent defections of key members of opposition parties into the governing All Progressives Congress. “The seismic shift caused by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno’s open declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu, the defection of the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the principal political actors in Delta and Rivers States certainly threw the opposition and their sympathisers into disarray. “While the opposition elements are understandably heartbroken over the failure of their fabled grand coalition to gain traction, we find it disturbing that they resorted to peddling false allegations of promoting a one-party State against President Bola Tinubu, who is working very hard to reverse decades of economic mismanagement in our country. “Contrary to the false claims in the propaganda materials in circulation across mainstream and social media, democracy is not under any threat in Nigeria. Accusations that the administration is moving towards authoritarianism are baseless and exaggerated. “We must add that no policy, official action, or directive from the Presidency seeks to “dismantle democracy” or “weaken opposition or create a one-party state.” Accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponisation of state institutions only exist in the idle minds of politicians and their agents who have failed in their assigned role of opposition and are fishing for scapegoats.” It further added: “We find it curious that those who celebrated the defection of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the formation of a regional grand coalition with the sole aim of defeating President Tinubu in the 2027 election are the same people shedding crocodile tears over Nigeria’s so-called drift to a one-party state and authoritarianism. “While the latter-day defenders of democracy raised no anxious voice against the disgruntled politicians cobbling an anti-Tinubu, anti-APC coalition along dangerous regional lines, even before INEC blows the whistle for party politicking, they are quick to ascribe the political shifts in some states to “bribery, blackmail, and coercion” without any shred of evidence. “Without any equivocation, freedom of association, freedom of speech and freedom of choice are part of the cherished ideals of democracy. When politicians and citizens cannot freely join any association or political party of their choice or cannot openly express their views, democracy is imperilled. “Those opposed to the Tinubu administration should understand that they can issue diatribes, without fear, against the government because we practice a thriving democracy. “It is hypocrisy writ large when opposition politicians and their collaborators in the ‘human rights’ movement desire that the party of the President should implode so they can gain electoral advantage and cry wolf when their wish does not materialise. “We want to state that democracy is not threatened or undermined simply because politicians exercise their rights to freedom of association. “Nigerians migrating to the APC and expressing support for Tinubu are doing so out of their free will, based on the belief that the reforms being executed are in the interest of Nigerians and the unborn generation. “It is a gross disservice to democracy in itself for these emergency defenders of democracy to delegitimise the political choices of some Nigerians while upholding the choices of others to form a coalition against Tinubu and APC.” The statement said that under President Tinubu, democracy is strong, and the multiparty democratic system will continue to flourish unhindered. “His administration remains resolutely committed to upholding and strengthening the democratic foundations upon which our Fourth Republic has stood since 1999 “Politicians changing party affiliation is not new or peculiar to Nigeria. In more advanced democracies, there are ready examples of notable politicians, statesmen and women who changed their parties. “President Tinubu and the National Working Committee of the APC, under the leadership of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, deserve commendation for making the ruling party viable and attractive to all Nigerians willing to participate in the democratic process. “President Tinubu is an avowed democrat and a firm believer in multiparty democracy. His political activism and democratic credentials in galvanising and strengthening opposition platforms as a force that defeated a sitting President and the then ruling party attest to his credibility as a tested defender of multiparty democracy,” it said It urged all Nigerians to join hands with the administration in protecting the democracy by respecting the people’s choices and giving alarmists, who draw their narratives from the pool of fiction, a wide berth.

Preparations are in full swing for the reception of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, into the All Progressives Congress (APC). Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, alongside nine other APC governors, has arrived in Asaba for the event. Among those already in town are Governors Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dikko Radda (Katsina), and Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe). The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole have also arrived in the state capital. As of the time of this report, more APC governors were still being awaited.

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, has urged Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to abandon the "old habits" of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement addressed to the governor after his move, Nwoko advised Oborevwori to make his switch to the APC a catalyst for genuine transformation. While applauding the governor for leaving the PDP, Nwoko cautioned him to also discard the "old deals" that, according to him, led to the downfall of the opposition party in Delta State. He said, “Leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy.” “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind.” Nwoko also maintained that the ruling party has already begun preparing for constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and New Delta states. “Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation,” he said. Therefore, he urged Oborevwori to embrace a new sense of purpose, lead the charge for constitutional reforms and demonstrate renewed dedication to fairness, inclusive development, and progressive governance. He said, “Your defection must not be symbolic; it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development. “The creation of Anioma state will finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North. It is a long overdue recognition of a people who have sought parity with their kinsmen. “The proposed New Delta will address the deep internal asymmetries within the current Delta state structure. It will empower neglected communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.

The President of the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation and former leader of the Buhari Youth Organisation, Dr. Jibril Mustapha, on Sunday, appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election. In a statement issued in Lagos, Mustapha urged Jonathan to respond positively to the growing calls for him to return to the presidency. “As the nation prepares for the 2027 elections, the Nigeria Rescue Mission Organisation believes that now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and support a candidate who can genuinely represent the interests of all Nigerians. “We urge former President Goodluck Jonathan to consider this call and to step forward as a candidate who can unite our country and lead us towards a brighter future. “This appeal comes in light of the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and rampant banditry,” Mustapha said. According to him, there is an urgent need for a leader who embodies integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to national unity. Mustapha added, “Nigeria is at a crossroads. We are grappling with significant issues that threaten our stability and progress. “We need a leader who can bring all Nigerians together, regardless of their background.” He said that the former Nigerian leader, during his tenure, demonstrated a commitment to democratic values and governance that prioritised the welfare of all citizens. According to him, the group believes Jonathan has the vision and experience necessary to lead Nigeria. “His leadership style is one that fosters inclusivity and economic advancement, which is exactly what our nation needs at this critical juncture. “Under Jonathan’s leadership, we can work towards restoring Nigeria’s lost glory on the international stage and within our borders.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO) is a youth-driven support group for former President Muhammadu Buhari. Jonathan, who sought a second term in 2015, was defeated by Buhari in that year’s presidential election. NAN also recalls that, amid debates over Jonathan’s eligibility to run again—having previously taken the oath of office twice—the Federal High Court in Bayelsa ruled in 2022 that he remains qualified to contest future presidential elections. In his ruling, Justice Dashen stated that Jonathan’s rights could not be curtailed by any retroactive law. The judge explained that the 2007 general election had produced the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, not Jonathan, and emphasized that Section 137 could not be applied retroactively to disqualify him. Dashen further clarified that no presidential election was conducted in 2010, and Jonathan’s swearing-in that year did not amount to being elected president at that time.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has urged Rivers State Governor Similaye Fubara to stay with the party and resist the temptation to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). George made the appeal during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today. He emphasized that the PDP has a strong structure in place and would overcome its internal challenges. The appeal comes amid growing speculation that Fubara might switch to the APC, following the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the ruling party. George said, “This man has not reacted negatively. He has been going around to calm people, telling them that they should relax. “I will plead with Fubara to remain steady on his course. He should remain solid on his course and with the fear of God in him, whatever God has decided will come to pass. “You don’t need to jump. Let us look at the political parties. Here is our own party. We have a structure. We have a national chairman, national secretary, national organizing committee, national women leader. “Let those who want to decamp do so. People have started to react. Go and visit Rivers State and see the reaction from the people,” he added. Similaye Fubara is currently suspended from his role as Rivers State Governor. His suspension came a few weeks ago after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, citing the prolonged political crisis in the South-South region. Following the suspension, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the administrator of Rivers State.

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has launched an online registration portal and identity cards for members of his Obidient Movement, both within Nigeria and abroad. This was announced in a joint statement on Saturday by the movement’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, and Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure. According to the statement, each ID card will include a QR code for verification and display the flag of the holder’s country of residence. It partly read: “Obidient registration portal supports Nigerians and fellow Obidients living in the diaspora. You will observe that the ID has a flag on it. For example, if you’re not resident in Nigeria, the top right-hand corner will carry the flag of your country of residence. “That way, we can all witness first-hand the embodying of our spirit of diversity, comradery, and unity and how far-reaching the messaging Obidient Movement is. The OBX is constant on the ID card. The Diasporan and Nigerian cards, all start with the same prefix which is the OBX. “The QR code on the bottom right-hand corner is there to authenticate your card, which can be scanned with any QR scanner such as a smartphone, to give Obidients a secure and confident way of interacting with one another. “So if you choose to support or do business with an Obidient, you can scan the QR code or verify the OBX ID online to confirm that the person is who and what they truly say they are and are who they truly claim to be.”