Shettima welcomes Oborevwori, Okowa to APC: ‘you are co-owners, not guests’

By Kunle Sanni

In a major political realignment, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and their supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring them co-owners of the ruling party rather than guests.

Speaking at a grand event in Asaba, Delta State, where he represented President Bola Tinubu, Shettima praised the defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing their move as “a testimony to the enduring promise” of the APC. He emphasized that they were joining as equals, highlighting the APC’s philosophy of unity in diversity.

“You are not guests in this house; you are now co-owners. This is now as much your party as it is ours,” Shettima said, urging the new members to contribute actively to shaping the party’s future.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, described the day as historic, celebrating Governor Oborevwori’s decision as a major political legacy. He officially welcomed him by presenting the party’s flag and broom symbol.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, also praised the development, noting that Delta State’s visible infrastructural growth under Oborevwori aligns with the APC’s ideology of national interest and citizen welfare.

Responding on behalf of the new entrants, Governor Oborevwori said the move was a collective decision, describing it as a political “movement” rather than a mere defection. He pledged full integration into the APC without factionalism.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa echoed the sentiment, saying the realignment was in the best interest of Delta State and would strengthen ties with the federal government for greater democratic dividends.