— Party Dissolves Delta State Structures, Plans Key Meetings in May and August

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to take legal action following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key figures in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

PDP Reshuffles Delta Leadership

In a swift response, the PDP dissolved all its structures in Delta State and appointed the South-South Zonal Caretaker Committee, led by Mr. Emma Ogidi, to oversee the party's affairs. The committee has been tasked with rebuilding the party’s base, reassuring remaining members, and suggesting new leaders for a caretaker structure.

“We’re working hard to regain the confidence of our supporters and rebuild in the state,” said Ogidi. “This was a setback, but we’re focused on moving forward.”

PDP to Pursue Legal Action

Following a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), acting PDP Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum expressed disappointment over the defections and confirmed that the party would seek legal recourse.

“We’ve asked our National Legal Adviser to initiate the process of recovering the mandates that have been taken from us,” Damagum stated. “According to the law, when someone defects, they lose the seat they were elected to under the PDP banner.”

Despite this, he reassured party members that the PDP remains united and committed to rebuilding.

Important Dates Announced for Party Meetings

The PDP also set the date for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on May 27, 2025, with a convention scheduled for August 28 to 30, 2025, pending NEC approval.

“We’re implementing key changes that will strengthen the party,” Damagum noted. “The convention will mark a new chapter for the PDP.”

Wabara Predicts APC Internal Struggles

Senator Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, played down the impact of the defections, suggesting they would lead to turmoil within the APC.

“The APC will soon implode as defectors displace long-standing members,” Wabara predicted. “The PDP will ultimately benefit from this chaos.”

He emphasized that the real political battle in 2027 would be between the APC and Nigerians determined to reclaim the country from political elites.

Okowa Defends His Defection, Denies EFCC Pressure

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, in an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, confirmed that he informed Atiku Abubakar about his decision to leave the PDP. Okowa expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership, which he said no longer aligns with the values that originally drew him to the party.

“The PDP we joined in 1998 is no longer the same. It lacks the cohesion and direction it once had,” Okowa said.

He also dismissed rumors that his defection was prompted by investigations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“There’s nothing to hide. I returned from abroad, complied with the EFCC’s requests, and have always acted with integrity,” he explained.

Okowa responded to criticism from former Senate President Bukola Saraki, who had questioned his decision to leave the PDP.

“Saraki, who also defected to the APC before returning, has no grounds to criticize me,” Okowa said.

2027 Elections Set to Be a Pivotal Showdown

With Delta State now firmly under APC control, the battle for the 2027 general elections is intensifying. While the APC solidifies its position, the PDP is focused on regaining its foothold and restructuring in the state and nationwide.

Despite the recent defections, PDP leaders remain confident about the party's future and its ability to rise from this setback.