• 27 Apr, 2025
• FAITH MIMDOO KEGH
• No comment

2027: How Tinubu Took Delta From PDP

There’s growing concern within James Ibori’s political circle as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, along with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, has shifted allegiance from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a major shift in South-South politics.

Until this week, PDP held four of the six South-South states. With Oborevwori and Okowa’s defection, the APC now controls Delta, in addition to Edo and Cross River. PDP retains Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom.

President Bola Tinubu began targeting the South-South in 2024, starting with Edo. He blocked former Governor Obaseki’s attempt to secure a PDP successor, with strong support from Senator Adams Oshiomhole. Obaseki, once an APC governor, had moved to the PDP after a fallout with Oshiomhole but was ultimately outmaneuvered.

Tinubu’s allies saw Delta as the next major target. Ibori, who was sidelined when Okowa chose Oborevwori over his preferred candidate, David Edevbie, did not officially leave the PDP but had been more aligned with the APC. His daughter, a federal lawmaker, had already defected.

Oborevwori and Okowa were reportedly aware of Tinubu’s 2027 political plans and understood that resisting them might cost them politically. Initially denying plans to defect, they eventually joined the APC as the PDP’s internal struggles and Atiku Abubakar’s grip on the presidential ticket left the party weakened.

The defection was finalized in a meeting at the Delta Government House. However, fears linger that the APC may sideline them later, especially given the existing power players in the Delta APC like Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Minister Festus Keyamo. Negotiations are expected soon on how to integrate their supporters into the party.

Another concern is how Ibori, Okowa, and Oborevwori will coexist in the same party after past rivalries. Ibori may face pressure to revive his role in the PDP.

   Rivers: Will Fubara Switch Sides?

In Rivers State, the political climate is tense. Supporters of Governor Siminalayi Fubara fear he may also leave the PDP. Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London to negotiate political protection amid his conflict with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. During the crisis, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and appointed a sole administrator, sidelining Fubara.

Sources say Tinubu offered Fubara two choices: join the APC or remain in PDP but secure 25% of votes for Tinubu in 2027. Fubara’s team has neither confirmed nor denied the defection rumors but pledged loyalty to the governor’s direction.

   Akwa Ibom: Eno’s Position Unclear

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom maintains close ties with President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Although he insists his relationship with APC leaders is to benefit the state, his open support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 has raised doubts about his loyalty to the PDP. Some locals believe Eno is under pressure from APC power brokers.

Recently, at the launch of a major highway project, Eno pledged full support for Tinubu’s second term, reinforcing public suspicion of a possible defection in the future.

FAITH MIMDOO KEGH

Manager – Oversees the daily operations, editorial planning, and strategic direction of the platform. A graduate with a solid academic foundation in media and communication, Faith brings a wealth of experience to the TokinPoint.

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