Senator James Manager has broken his silence on the shocking defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it a painful but inevitable response to deep-rooted dysfunction within the PDP.
Manager, a founding figure of the PDP in Delta State, a pioneer chairman and a respected voice in the state politics, pointed to internal chaos and poor strategic decisions as the driving forces behind the mass exodus. In a strongly worded statement, he referenced the recent PDP Governors Forum meeting in Ibadan where governors unanimously resolved not to explore mergers or alliances with other political parties — a decision he believes crushed the morale of many loyalists.
The former senator described the party’s current situation as chaotic and unsustainable. “We cannot remain in a boat that is clearly sinking,” he said. “This decision to leave the PDP was not taken in isolation but agreed upon collectively by concerned leaders who have lost faith in the party’s direction.”
Manager didn’t hold back in criticizing the PDP’s national leadership for what he described as administrative absurdities, especially the lingering confusion over the office of the National Secretary. “It’s becoming ridiculous,” he lamented. “How can a party that wants to win elections be unable to clearly define who holds a key position like National Secretary?”
He warned that the PDP’s lack of structure, strategic clarity, and internal discipline has made it impossible for serious-minded political leaders to remain, especially those committed to effective governance and long-term development.
“This isn’t about abandoning our roots,” Manager clarified. “It’s about making decisions that align with our responsibility to the people and the future of this country. A party must be more than a name — it must be a platform for real change.” He stated.
