‘Delta defections painful, but our faith is in God’ – Damagum

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and several key party leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as shocking and painful. He said the PDP leadership would immediately set up a caretaker committee to take charge of the Delta chapter.

Speaking at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, Damagum lamented the party’s investment in Delta State, noting that the party had supported the governor and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was also the party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Despite the setback, Damagum urged members to remain focused, saying: “You may have your own tactics, but you cannot outplay God. We leave our faith in the hands of God.” He called on members to unite and prepare for the 2027 general elections, stressing that the PDP could still bounce back.

Receiving Oborevwori and others, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said more PDP governors would join the ruling party ahead of 2027. He described the mass defection as part of APC’s strategic expansion under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, attributed the wave of defections to Tinubu’s inclusive style and reform-driven agenda. He said the president’s leadership has inspired confidence across party lines.

Meanwhile, former Senate President Bukola Saraki urged remaining PDP members to stay committed and rebuild the party. He warned against a one-party state and encouraged those intending to leave the PDP to do so now, so that loyal members can refocus efforts on repositioning the party.

Also speaking, former APC National Working Committee member, Salihu Lukman, said the defections would not derail ongoing coalition talks aimed at providing Nigerians with a strong alternative in 2027. He said the movement to the APC must not distract from the need for political reform.

Jude Ezenwafor, the PDP’s candidate for the November 8 Anambra governorship election, expressed confidence in victory. He promised to offer leadership that would attract governors from other states to learn from his approach, especially in the area of security.