‘We Never Expected This Action From Them’ – Damagum Addresses Oborevwori, Okowa’s Defection, Reveals Plan For Delta State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Iliya Umar Damagum, has reacted to the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other members of the Delta State government to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Naijaonpoint reports that Damagum stated that the party has decided to leave its “fate in the hands of God” and believes God will guide them through the current challenges.

On Wednesday, Oborevwori, Okowa, and all cabinet members of the Delta State government defected to the APC, a move that also included local government council chairmen.

Damagum, speaking at the PDP headquarters during the presentation of a certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming Anambra State election, Ezenwafor Jude, called the development “very sad and unfortunate,” particularly given the PDP’s longstanding support for Delta.

“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta,” Damagum said. “We gave them everything – support for the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice-presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them.”

Despite the setback, Damagum insisted that the PDP was not unprepared, announcing that the party would reclaim its structure in the state by setting up a caretaker committee. He emphasized that the party remained resilient and battle-ready for the 2027 elections.

“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” Damagum stated. “The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians.”

He further warned that while defections may be secured through coercion or persuasion, the ordinary Nigerian, who is suffering under current economic policies, would ultimately determine the outcome.

He said: “Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering. This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves.”

Damagum also stressed that the challenges the party faces are surmountable, expressing faith in God’s help to overcome the situation.

“We know there is a limit to whatever one can do other than what God has designed. You may have your own tactics, but you cannot outplay God. We leave our fate in the hands of God and believe He will help us out of this great situation,” he added.

Regarding the situation in Anambra, Damagum praised Ezenwafor Jude’s emergence as a testament to internal party democracy and urged stakeholders to consolidate support for victory.

“If God wants to help you, He removes all the thorns. I believe we have one united party in Anambra today,” he said. “Your commitment, belief, and sincerity will see us through this election.”