Delta PDP Leaders Accuse Oborevwori of APC Defection Plot

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State have called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to publicly address rumours suggesting he plans to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP leaders, under the banner of the Concerned Leaders of PDP, have expressed growing concern over reports linking Oborevwori to high-ranking APC figures, including President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

In an open letter made available to newsmen, the group accused the governor of secretly engaging with these APC officials in an effort to secure a second term as Delta State governor by aligning with the federal government’s party. The letter, signed by key party members such as Mr. Theophilus Ekiyor, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome, and Mr. Ezekiel Chukwudi, urged Oborevwori to provide a clear and immediate response to the allegations.

“We are compelled to address you in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to secure your governorship seat ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the letter stated.

The PDP leaders also cited a recent meeting in Lagos between Oborevwori and several APC allies, which reportedly took place shortly after a gathering of state governors with President Tinubu. They expressed concern that such interactions, coupled with the governor’s public endorsement of the president’s policies at a Urhobo Progressives Union event, have left many party members feeling betrayed.

“Your statement, ‘If President Tinubu fails, I also fail,’ has no other interpretation. It is a clear indication of your intention to join the APC,” the letter read.

The leaders further accused Oborevwori of secretly collaborating with factional leaders within the APC in Delta State. They alleged that the governor was working to weaken opposition voices within the APC to facilitate his defection. Some reports also claimed that the governor had been financially supporting certain APC leaders in return for their loyalty.

The letter went on to express frustration with the governor’s handling of party loyalty. “We are disappointed by this betrayal of trust,” the leaders wrote, referring to the lack of recognition for party members who worked for Oborevwori’s election.

“We will not stand idly by as the party’s fortunes are undermined by your actions.”

The Concerned Leaders have urged the governor to publicly clarify his position on these matters, warning that any delay in response could be seen as tacit confirmation of his defection plans.

Governor Oborevwori has not yet publicly responded to the letter.