Strong indications have emerged that Hon. Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, a key stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and the senatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, may be on the verge of defecting to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). This potential move, fueled by mounting dissatisfaction with the current administration, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape in the state.
According to a senior official in the Delta State government, who is a loyalist to Ejele, intense pressure is being mounted on his boss by former governor Chief James Ibori and top APC figures to abandon the PDP. This pressure is reportedly gaining traction due to Ejele’s growing frustration with the way he has been treated under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership.
Ejele, who played a pivotal role in Oborevwori’s emergence as the PDP gubernatorial candidate in 2022 and his subsequent victory in the 2023 general elections, is said to be disillusioned with the administration. The source close to Ejele disclosed that the governor had sidelined key political figures who contributed to his success, instead favouring technocrats who lack political experience.
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“As I speak to you, APC is putting serious pressure on Ejele to join them. And you know, once Ejele calls today that he is leaving and wants me to follow, I’ll resign immediately,” the official revealed.
The source lamented that this is the worst period they have experienced as politicians, citing the governor’s refusal to release funds for political activities. “The man is not releasing money for anything. How many appointees and commissioners have been able to embark on any meaningful personal project?” he questioned.
Further criticisms were directed at Oborevwori’s governance style, particularly regarding financial management. The source alleged that while the governor claims to be implementing financial discipline, his personal spending contradicts his claims.
“Go and check, he has spent more on himself and his office than all his predecessors did within the same period. Check how much his convoy costs. He spent almost half a billion to buy that Benz. Just the way you are cutting costs for other people, you should equally cut costs for yourself. Lead by example.”
The official also accused the governor of favouring his son, Fred, in contract allocations, stating, “The only person the governor is awarding contracts to is his son, Fred. Most of the big jobs that he has been awarded were given to his son. We are just watching to see if he will change. Otherwise, in 2027, Fred will deliver him.”
The discontent is not limited to Ejele alone. Many government appointees and commissioners are reportedly struggling financially due to the governor’s strict control over funds. The source added
“There is no commissioner in this government that can comfortably give you ₦50,000. No way. As I speak to you, many of the commissioners are doing Osusu (a local savings scheme) of ₦100,000 monthly just to survive. They even approached me to join them,” the source revealed.
He further contrasted the current administration with the previous government under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was known for empowering his political allies. “During Okowa’s time, you could meet any of his close allies with a ₦10 million problem, and they would solve it for you without the governor knowing. But today, I met Onos, the current Director of Protocol, and he cannot even give you ₦10,000.”
The source emphasized that Governor Oborewori’s leadership is filled with sycophants who refuse to tell him the truth. He accused the governor of surrounding himself with new entrants into politics who are only interested in personal gains.
“APC is preparing, and from what I reliably gathered, they are seriously plotting to take this state in Abuja. And the way things are going, they might succeed unless things change. Your appointees are supposed to be your foot soldiers who will drive you to victory, but they need money to do so.”
The source warned that the PDP must start working immediately to prevent a major upset in 2027. “Ejele is not happy. You denied him the party chairmanship because you know you cannot control him, yet he was the one who carried your governorship matter on his head.”
The source also added that another major point of contention is the governor’s focus on constructing flyovers, which he believes lacks direct economic benefits for the people.
“He is building flyovers, but what is the economic importance of those flyovers to the people? He is only beautifying his place. I can tell you, that most people in Warri don’t even know anything about the flyovers being constructed, and they may never use them. People living in the creeks have never left the creeks. The only ones who will enjoy the flyovers are strangers passing through, and they are not voters.”
As tensions rise within the PDP, the possibility of Ejele’s defection to the APC is becoming more realistic. If he makes the move, it could signal a major political shift in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections. His departure, along with that of his loyalists, would deal a significant blow to the PDP’s stronghold in the state.
For now, all eyes are on Ejele as he weighs his options, while the Oborevwori administration faces increasing pressure to address grievances within its ranks before it is too late.
