Rumors suggesting that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party ahead of the 2027 general election have been dismissed as baseless and fabricated by opposition forces in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Chief Festus Ahon, and the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, separately addressed the issue, assuring the public that the rumors were unfounded.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Asaba, Ahon attributed the rumors to the rising influence and bridge-building efforts of Governor Oborevwori, which he claimed have unsettled elements within the opposition. He reaffirmed that the Governor would continue working with the federal government for the benefit of Deltans and Nigerians at large.
Ahon also emphasized that Governor Oborevwori had no reason to consider defection due to his strong acceptance within the PDP and his commitment to fulfilling the promises of the MORE Agenda made during his campaign.
Similarly, Chief Arenyeka dismissed the rumors, describing them as “mischievous, sinister, and baseless speculations” propagated by political detractors on social media. According to Arenyeka, the allegations are the work of individuals intent on destabilizing the PDP and its leadership in the state.
Speculation about a potential defection gained traction due to Governor Oborevwori’s recent engagements with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including being part of the President’s delegation to the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s President-elect, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, in Accra.
Addressing members of the Urhobo Progress Union in Agharho on December 7, 2024, Governor Oborevwori had urged support for President Tinubu’s administration, highlighting the President’s backing of Delta State.
“I want to appeal to Urhobo nation today, I am saying it here, I am an Urhobo man and am Governor of Delta State. But I will tell you today whether you like it or not, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is supporting this administration. God has made him the President as God has made me the Governor of Delta State,” he said.
He continued, “So, as you are supporting me, support him because if he fails, I will fail, but by the grace of God, he will not fail and I will not fail, too. Mr. President has appointed our sons and daughters into various positions. He did not appoint people from outside the state. God has given him victory and God has given me victory; you people should support us to succeed.”
