Defection of Oborevwori, Okowa, others will strengthen APC in South South – Abe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has said the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his Deputy, the entire cabinet, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC will significantly strengthen and consolidate the party’s support base in the South-South region.

Senator Abe, who serves as the Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, NAGGW, made this assertion in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Parry Benson.

He described the development as an indication that Nigeria’s democracy is thriving under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.

According to Abe, democracy flourishes when every citizen is afforded genuine freedom of association and freedom of choice.

In his words, Senator Abe said, “Under President Tinubu, Nigerians have seen a tremendous increase in the resources available to the states, and serious-minded Governors have been able to utilise that advantage to the benefit of their people.

“This is the merit that Sheriff Oborevwori and his team have seen and decided to take advantage of it, to move the people of Delta state closer to the centre to accelerate development. It is a step in the right direction and I commend him.”

The statement further referenced the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2007, when he contested for the presidency while serving as a sitting Vice President.

Abe argued that the decision of Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa to join the APC is appropriate and will ultimately benefit the people of Delta State and the South South geopolitical zone at large.

He criticized those accusing President Tinubu of promoting a one-party state, stating that such critics should refrain from playing the victim.

Abe emphasized that it is neither the responsibility nor the obligation of President Tinubu and the APC to foster opposition against themselves.

Senator Abe also urged Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Festus Keyamo, Chief Ayeni, and other APC leaders in Delta State to unite in supporting Governor Oborevwori and his team, to ensure their smooth integration into the party.

He noted that the APC, under President Tinubu, is broad and inclusive enough to accommodate all Nigerians.