After many months of speculation by political observers and pundits vis-â-vis affirmative body language of key stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has finally made public his decision to move over to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oborevwori declared, on Wedday at the Government House Asaba, that he was pitching tent with the APC, alongside numerous stakeholders of the PDP, the party which has controlled mainstream politics in Delta State since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria 1999.

The move, which was announced to newsmen by by Senator James Manager, a former PDP gubernatorial aspirant in the 2023 election, is being regarded as as truly formidable outcome of a major political realignment of forces across Delta State and even beyond, apparently in view of the 2027 general election in the country.

He said that the decision to resign enmasse from the PDP climaxed widespread and prolonged consultation with all stakeholders in the state, referring to the PDP as an irretrievably sinking boat.

Manager lamented that a preseidentisl candidate of the PDP, as presently constituted, does not stand a chance against the incumbent under the APC, President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Announcing the defection after a meeting with leaders and stakeholders of the PDP in the state on Wednesday at Government House, Asaba, Senator Manager, who is the pioneer Delta State chairman of the PDP in the state, said that the decision was taken following due consultation with various stakeholders across the state.

Senator Manager was flanked during the briefing by the state Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor, Sir Festus Ahon and Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Sir Olisa Ifeajika.

Manager said, “You have just been told about some of the things that have been happening in the PDP Delta State. Some consultations have been going on and the climax of these consultations is what you are seeing today.

“We have discussed and have disagreed to agree, and it is a unanimous agreement. I am the pioneer state chairman of the PDP, but you cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing because I am a riverine man.

“Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.

“Few days ago, there was a resolution taken by the PDP Governor’s forum at Ibadan. Almost all the governors were there and they resolved that they are not going into coalition with any other party.

“But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 Governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? You think you can win? That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

Cc Thisday