A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has declared that the recent defection of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and incumbent Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC is a clear vindication of those who opposed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s handling of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reacting to the high-profile defections, Okechukwu said the moves confirm that the PDP had undermined its stability by disregarding its power rotation principle and violating Section 7 of its constitution.
“Governor Sheriff and Co’s defection is the unintended consequence of the unforced error committed by Atiku Abubakar and his clan in PDP. By breaching the rotation convention, they demolished the ligament holding our dear country together,” he said.
Okechukwu welcomed Okowa and Oborevwori to the APC, assuring that the ruling party would provide a platform for them to thrive and continue their good works.
His words: “It is a golden opportunity for them to contribute meaningfully within a party that values national cohesion and democratic principles.”
Describing the fallout as “PDP digging its own grave,” Okechukwu said the defection wave was a direct result of the opposition party’s internal contradictions and disregard for unity and fairness.
He also took a swipe at what he called the PDP’s “awkward permutation” ahead of the 2027 presidential election, criticizing those behind the idea of rotating power based on skewed timelines that ignore Nigeria’s broader democratic history.
While clarifying that he is not an advocate of a one-party state, Okechukwu noted that Nigeria’s political landscape remains dynamic, and defections are a natural consequence of ideological and strategic missteps by parties.
“As they join APC, some are leaving too — it’s the tale of defections and defections, thy kingdom come,” the former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria concluded.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.