PDP Laments Defection of Delta Gov, Others to APC, Vows to Rebuild Party Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has described the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other top party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unfortunate and unexpected.” 

Damagum expressed his disappointment during the presentation of the Certificate of Return to Jude Ezenwafor, the PDP’s candidate for the November 8 Anambra State governorship election. He stated that the party never anticipated such a move from Delta PDP leaders, especially after the support given to them over the years.

The defection, reportedly announced by Senator James Manager after a meeting at the Delta State Government House in Asaba, included prominent figures such as former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. 

Despite the setback, Damagum remained optimistic, stating that the defections would not significantly impact the PDP’s chances in the 2027 general elections.

He argued that the next election would be a direct contest between President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian people, rather than a battle of political strength measured by the number of governors in a party. 

Citing the 2023 presidential election, Damagum noted that Labour Party’s Peter Obi performed strongly despite not having any governors in his camp.

He emphasized that the 2027 election would hinge on public sentiment over current economic hardships.

“This election is not about how many governors or senators a party has—it’s about Tinubu versus Nigerians,” Damagum declared. “The ordinary citizens are feeling the pain, and their votes will reflect that.” 

He assured party members that the PDP would swiftly reorganize in Delta State by setting up a caretaker committee to reclaim its structures.

He also urged members to unite and focus on rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges, which he described as “man-made.” 

Meanwhile, Jude Ezenwafor, the PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, expressed gratitude for his nomination and predicted a surprising victory in the upcoming election. He promised to replicate his past successes in governance, particularly in security, and vowed to unveil an inclusive campaign strategy soon. 

“PDP is Anambra, and Anambra is PDP,” Ezenwafor asserted. “By the end of this election, the world will see what we’re made of.”

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