President Bola Tinubu has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the most significant political shift in Nigeria’s history.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a reception in Asaba, Tinubu noted that this marked the first time an entire party structure—spanning from the ward to national levels, including elected and appointed officials—had defected en masse to another political party.

The President urged the defectors and their supporters to view themselves not as newcomers, but as co-owners of the APC committed to Nigeria’s progress.

Backing the President’s message were APC National Chairman Suleiman Ganduje, the Kwara State Governor and Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chair, and APC Governors’ Forum Chair Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Vice President Shettima praised Oborevwori’s governance and called his defection a bold move that affirmed his alignment with progressive ideals. “You are now the leader of the party in Delta. This is your political home,” he said.

Ganduje described the move as both historic and patriotic, saying it strategically positioned Delta for greater national influence and development.

Governor Oborevwori justified his switch by stating that Delta could no longer afford to be in opposition, calling his decision a “patriotic movement” aimed at securing the best future for the state.

Former Governor Okowa, who was the PDP’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, defended the decision, saying Delta had long been marginalised at the federal level despite its key contributions to the nation’s economy.

He emphasized that the move was in the best interest of the state, and pledged to work toward unity within the APC.

Notable figures at the event included Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, and several other dignitaries.