Pioneer Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Senator James Manager, has given reasons why Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Addressing journalists after a PDP stakeholders meeting held at the Government House, Asaba, Sen. Manager offered an insight into the reasons behind the mass defection.
“Consultations have been ongoing for quite some time now. And what you are witnessing today at the Government House in Asaba is the culmination of those deliberations.
“We have engaged in extensive discussions, including moments of disagreement, but ultimately, we have reached a consensus on the way forward.
“The decision is nearly unanimous, driven by the prevailing sentiment within the political landscape of the PDP,” Sen. Manager said.
Reflecting on his personal journey with the PDP, Sen. Manager added: “As the former state chairman of the PDP, of course, you know how deeply I feel about this.
“But you cannot remain in a boat that is clearly capsizing. I am a liberal-minded person, and I always try to look at issues objectively.
“Given the current realities, we have come to the inevitable conclusion that it is time to chart a new course. That is what brings us here today — to brief you on this significant development,” he explained.
He concluded with a nod to the strong turnout and unity of purpose among the PDP stakeholders: “As you can see from the mammoth crowd around you, this is not a solo decision.
Read also: Breaking: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori announces defection to APC, shakes Delta politics
BREAKING: Oborevwori, Okowa, top Delta PDP stakeholders in crucial closed-door meeting amid defection rumors
Delta Ijaw APC leaders confirm Gov. Oborevwori set to join APC, pledge loyalty to Sen. Joel-Onowakpo
“It is a collective one, made for many reasons — reasons which I may not delve into at this moment.”
“That said, I will stop here and welcome any questions you may have on this matter. We are ready to provide answers as best as we can.”
The defection marks a major turning point in Delta State politics and is expected to have far-reaching implications for the PDP’s structure and influence in the region.
Gov. Oborewori’s defection on Wednesday, along with the entire PDP structure in the Delta State, brings an end to weeks of speculations about his intention to dump the party on whose platform he came to office.
During the meeting at the Government House, Asaba, key political figures were seen engaging in a spirited call-and-response chant of “APC!” followed by “Take over!” — signaling the mood of the gathering and the direction of their new allegiance.
