A high-powered political meeting is currently underway at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, involving Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor and political godfather Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and top stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Although the official agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, the timing and atmosphere surrounding the gathering have triggered intense speculation about the governor’s political future and the stability of the PDP in Delta State.
According to credible sources within Government House, Dr. Okowa arrived at the governor’s residence at approximately 9:30 a.m. for an early private session with Governor Oborevwori. The larger stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled to begin by 11 a.m., and as of press time, it is still ongoing behind closed doors.
While there has been no official confirmation of the meeting’s purpose, many observers believe it may be linked to persistent rumors of Governor Oborevwori’s alleged plans to dump the PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor’s recent body language, including his growing closeness to President Bola Tinubu and his absence from key PDP governors’ events, has only added fuel to the fire.
Political insiders say the governor is reportedly under pressure from certain influential figures within the APC to make the switch. A source close to the presidency hinted that the defection plans are being quietly coordinated and that Oborevwori is expected to travel to Abuja soon for a possible final discussion with President Tinubu.
Adding further intrigue is the reported reconciliation between Governor Oborevwori and former Governor James Ibori, another political titan in Delta State. Ibori, who had previously distanced himself from Oborevwori, is now said to be backing the rumored move to the APC after receiving assurances about the governor’s future prospects. He is alleged to still favour a possible automatic governorship ticket for Oborevwori in 2027.
Meanwhile, the APC camp appears divided and tense. Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko have openly rejected any potential cross-carpeting by Oborevwori and Okowa into the APC, citing ideological and structural incompatibilities.
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Though the defection claims have been repeatedly denied by the governor’s media aides, a viral video surfaced two days ago showing a visibly disturbed Okowa addressing concerns among his Ika people. In the video, he appeared to condemn the rumored political shift, saying in his native language: “they could as well tell us PDP is dead in Delta State.”
There are also growing tensions within the current administration. Key offices remain occupied by staunch Okowa loyalists, including Secretary to the State Government Dr. Kingsley Emu and Finance Commissioner Fidelis Tilije. Appointees from Delta South and Central have alleged marginalization, with claims that Dr. Emu delays approvals and sidelines initiatives from outside his ethnic bloc.
As the closed-door meeting continues, political watchers are bracing for what could be a defining moment in Delta’s political history. Will Oborevwori stay the course with the PDP—or is Delta about to witness another high-profile political defection?
For now, the room remains sealed, and the state holds its breath.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
