Politics
Defection: Sherrif Oborevwori In A Transfer Market , Delta PDP Group
Concerned leaders of PDP in Delta state have again challenged the Delta state governor , Sherrif Oborevwori of his glaring planned defection from People’s Democratic Party PDP to All Progressives Congress APC, from his romance with the Presidency.
In a press release on Thursday signed by the concerned PDP Leaders in the state by David Ekiyor, Ochuko Oghenekome, and Ezekiel Chukwudi, tagged “2027: OUR LEADER, GOVERNOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI IS ASSUREDLY IN TRANSFER MARKET.” the group stated that there is already a confirmation that the Delta state governor is assuredly in a transfer market.
It is obvious on his discussion with APC leaders as team managers to perfect his seemingly movement from PDP to APC, with a view to guaranteeing soft landing.
We are concerned to know the incentives and factors propelling the Delta state governor and his planned movement to APC amid unpopular leadership at the National level .
They described as laughable, the Governors feeble attempt to respond to the allegations of defection levelled against him, stating the obvious that Sheriff Oboroeweri has perfected his designed arrangements.
According to the PDP Leaders, the Governor’s spokesman, Ahon and the state party chairman, Solomon Areyenka are already cut up in the web in the drama, hence the feeble, empty and ignorant defence stance to favour the Governor .
They also accused the governor of playing politics with the entire and collective destiny of Deltans , saying plans are concluded by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to move to APC and will soon be signed in by the club manager, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
While pitying the crass ignorance and oblivious mind been displayed by the Governors spokesman and state party chairman, Areyenka , the group stated that they are uninformed, as the train of defection has left them behind.
They further stated , it is incontrovertible that Ahon and Areyenka had fell prey of hired hands that are already discussing his exit from PDP.
In another description, they also described them as glorified errand boys who cannot confront the governor to speak the truth to his face, as Areyenka least expect of becoming the Delta PDP State Chairman
The release further states…
CONCERNED LEADERS OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), DELTA STATE
80, UZEVA ROAD, OLEH, ISOKO SOUTH LGA, DELTA STATE.
2027: OUR LEADER, GOVERNOR SHERIFF OBOREVWORI IS ASSUREDLY IN TRANSFER MARKET.
“The seasonal transfer market is upon us again, and it’s obvious that our Governor and Leader of our party in our dear state, Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has positioned himself strategically to abdicate his old club and opt for a brand new one. ”
“He has been discussing with team managers of his new preferred club, and it is only a matter of time before he is signed off. ”
“The big question agitating the mind of team members and the public, is: what are the motivating incentives propelling Sheriff’s innate desperation to jettison the old vehicle that brought him to power – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?”
“The recent attempts by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to respond to our allegations of his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been nothing short of being laughable.”
“The feeble, empty, and pointless defence by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, and Chairman of our Party, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, only serves to underscore their ignorance and obliviousness to the reality on ground.”
“We could not be persuaded by the response of Festus Ahon and Solomon Arenyeka that our Oga was not playing politics with our collective destiny.”
“We are convinced that Governor Oborevwori is on his way to the APC, and he would soon be signed-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The signs and facts are there for the intelligent to discern.”
“We pitied the crass ignorance displayed by Festus Ahon and Solomon Arenyeka.”
” They are oblivious and uninformed. The train of defection is leaving them behind.”
“Our findings have shown that the defection is real and on course. The governor didn’t consider these hired hands and handpicked leaders of our party, including the Arenyeka-led state executive as important to be involved at this stage of discussion with APC.”
“Of what value is Arenyeka and jobless media attack dogs in a matter involving the political future of Oborevwori?”
“These are errand boys who would be commandeered and rail-roaded into the project when the matter was concluded?”
“Do they have a say? Did Arenyeka knew that he would ever become a state chairman of PDP? Can he face the governor to discuss any issue? ”
“Arenyeka is just a glorified errand boy who would be issued a directive to move at the right time.”
“These guys have no value to add and their inputs are not required in the ongoing political horse-trading.”
“We therefore warn all party members to “shine their eyes” and be active and conscious ahead of 2027. ”
“They should take their future in their hands and not be cajoled nor deceived by the ill-conceived assurances of Solomon Arenyeka and his always “yes sir” hirelings.”
“Governor Oborevwori’s career in politics has been a remarkable one, spanning over two decades – from his little beginning as Personal Assistant to His Excellencies, Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, to his entrance as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly.”
“His eventual meteoric rise, as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and has had a stint as State Governor.”
“However, his sudden readiness to dump the vehicle he started the journey in for a new one is baffling.”
“The rumours of the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been making the rounds for a while. Though his errand boys have dismissed it as speculation, we believe there is more to it than meets the eyes. Governor Oborevwori’s recent actions and body language suggest that he is indeed considering a move to the APC.”
“One of the key indicators of his planned defection is his recent trip to Ghana, where he allegedly ambushed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to perfect his defection plans. ”
“We ask, was he on the official delegation list of the Federal Government led by President Tinubu?”
“In what capacity was the governor at the presidential inauguration in Ghana?”
” These are questions that demand answers, and Governor Oborevwori owes it to the PDP and the people of Delta State to provide clarity to his actions.”
“Furthermore, we question the diplomatic tie between Ghana and Delta State. Does a nation engage in bilateral relations with the sub-units of another sovereign nation? It is unheard of. What is the diplomatic tie between Ghana and Delta State to prompt Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori to run to Ghana to attend President Mahama’s inauguration, and in the process breached all diplomatic protocols.”
“Who funded the trip to Ghana? Was it the Delta State taxpayers money used?”
*What gains is the trip to the state?”
“These are questions that demand clarification and Governor Oborevwori must provide the required accountability.”
“The lack of accountability in the governance of the State is terribly appalling.”
“We demand answers over this matter. He became governor through our collective support and thrust – so he owes it to us to give explanation. ”
“Was the Governor on vacation, or was the trip authorized and approved by the Delta State House of Assembly?”
“And while leaving did he officially transmit authority to the Deputy Governor to act on his behalf.”
” These are pertinent inquiries he must provide explanations.”
“The Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) has been inept, docile, dead and now a rubber stamp to Oborevwori’s shenanigans. ”
“The State House of Assembly members are over eager to receive crumbs from the Governor’s table. So, they compromise regulations at the drop of a hat.”
“Otherwise, in normal climes, the Assembly would have probed this ill-fated trip to Ghana and initiated appropriate sanctions.”
“We also find it curious that Governor Oborevwori has suddenly decided to pay all the entitlements of the seven APC lawmakers in the State House of Assembly.”
“He has withheld every of their emolument and allowances since the inauguration of the House in June 2023. What occasioned the sudden change of stance?”
“This move is a clear attempt to pacify the APC and create a conducive atmosphere for the anticipated move.”
*If not so, we then ask for the motivation behind the gesture?”
“Is Governor Oborevwori trying to buy his way into the APC?”
“We believe so.”
“His actions are a clear indication that he is willing to do whatever it takes to secure acceptance for the envisaged defection.”
“The fate of the PDP in the State therefore hangs in the balance.”
“We, the CONCERNED LEADERS OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), DELTA STATE, will not stand idly-by, while the party’s fortunes are frittered away and undermined through Oborevwori’s unregulated desperation.”
“We demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, and we will continue to speak out against any actions that threaten the stability and unity of our party.”
“Governor Oborevwori’s defection would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in him by the people of Delta State. ”
“He was elected on the platform of the PDP, and it is unacceptable for him to abandon the party that brought him to power.”
* Governor Oborevwori has failed to come clean about his intentions and give reassurance about his commitment to the PDP. ”
“And not the lacklustre attempt to mask the truth by Festus Ahon and Solomon Arenyeka.”
” The people of Delta State won’t be fooled by empty denials or half-baked explanations.”
“The writing is on the wall, and Governor Oborevwori’s defection to the APC is all but certain.”
“We can only hope that he will reconsider his decision and remain loyal to the PDP.”
“However, if he decides to abandon the PDP, we will not be caught off guard.”
” We will take necessary actions to protect the interests of our party and ensure the people of Delta State are not shortchanged.”
SIGNED:
MR. THEOPHILUS EKIYOR
MR.
OCHUKO OGHENEKOME
MR. EZEKIEL CHUKWUDI
FOR & ON BEHALF OF THE CONCERNED LEADERS OF PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP), DELTA STATE.
…Says your defection must be transformative
Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta north, has asked Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta state, to leave behind the “old habits” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he begins a new political journey in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement addressed to the governor following his recent defection, Nwoko warned that the move must not just be symbolic but transformative, urging Oborevwori to “leave behind the politics of survival and step into the politics of legacy”.
“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Old habits, old politics, and the old deals that led to the gradual decline of the PDP in Delta must be left behind,” Nwoko said.
He praised the governor’s decision to join the APC, describing it as a bold step that opens new possibilities for Delta state and Nigeria’s political future.
The lawmaker noted that the APC, “reenergised and focused,” had already begun laying the groundwork for constitutional amendments, including the creation of Anioma and New Delta states.
“Chief among these is the creation of two new viable states: Anioma and New Delta,” he said.
“Let me remind you, this agenda was declared a done deal by the party leadership long before your defection, a testament to the APC’s commitment to correcting historical imbalances and ending regional marginalisation.”
The senator asked the governor to lead the charge for constitutional reforms and demonstrate renewed dedication to fairness, inclusive development, and progressive governance.
“Your defection must not be symbolic; it must be transformative. This is your opportunity to embrace a new sense of purpose and demonstrate renewed dedication to progressive governance, fairness, and inclusive development,” Nwoko said.
“The creation of Anioma state will finally give voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North. It is a long overdue recognition of a people who have sought parity with their kinsmen.
“The proposed New Delta will address the deep internal asymmetries within the current Delta state structure. It will empower neglected communities, bring government closer to the people, and unlock new paths for economic growth.
“For the first time, the APC is armed with the numbers to amend the constitution. This time, we can fulfill these promises without demanding painful trade-offs from the South. We are not lobbying from a place of weakness; we are standing firmly in a position of strength.
“These changes are more than political. They are economic necessities. They are about focused governance, better infrastructure, increased federal allocation, and grassroots democracy. Two new states will mean two new engines of development.”
The Lagos Society for Good Governance, a non-partisan civic organisation, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt what it describes as unconstitutional tenure elongation schemes in several Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
The group also urged the President to direct the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to issue clear guidance on constitutional term limits for local government administrations.
In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the group’s coordinator, Ademola Gafar, appealed to President Tinubu to demonstrate moral leadership by rejecting attempts to extend tenures beyond constitutional limits.
“As a leader of our democracy and a true son of Lagos, we urge the President to engage with the leadership of Lagos State to ensure that forthcoming local government elections adhere strictly to constitutional norms and best democratic practices,” Gafar said.
The group highlighted specific cases in three LCDAs where chairpersons are allegedly seeking unconstitutional third terms.
In Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, Vice Chairman Famuyiwa assumed the chairmanship in 2019 following the death of Chairman Arologun.
He won re-election in 2021, and his current bid for another term is deemed a violation of term limits. Similarly, in Onigbongbo LCDA, Vice Chairman Dotun Adekanye became chairman in 2020 after Chairman Dayo Oke’s death, won re-election in 2021, and died in November 2024.
His successor, the current vice chairman, remains eligible for the 2025 elections but cannot seek further terms. In Ikosi Isheri LCDA, Vice Chairman Abolanle Bada took over in 2020 after Chairman Abdulfatai Oyesanya’s death, won re-election in 2021, and is now pursuing an unconstitutional third term.
The group argued that these actions contravene the Fourth Alteration Bill No. 16 of the 1999 Constitution, signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the group, the amendment limits individuals who succeed to an office following an incumbent’s death to one additional term. This principle, the group noted, extends to local governments under Section 7 of the Constitution, which mandates democratically elected councils.
“Lagos State, as Nigeria’s centre of excellence, must not set dangerous precedents that undermine constitutional governance,” Gafar stated, calling on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission to implement reforms that strengthen local government autonomy and disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
The group praised recent council elections in Ondo, Akwa-Ibom, and northwest states for adhering to electoral laws, resulting in free, fair, and credible outcomes.
The organisation also recalled President Tinubu’s opposition to tenure elongation during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, expressing confidence that he would not support undemocratic practices.
It urged the implicated LCDA chairpersons to withdraw from the electoral contest in recognition of constitutional limits, warning that normalising such violations threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
It vowed to pursue all legal and peaceful means to resist attempts to subvert the constitutional order, reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles and good governance.
Politics
Ned Nwoko Urges Oborevwori to Leave Behind PDP’s Old Ways in His New APC Journey — Emphasizing the Need for Transformative Change
Ned Nwoko, the senator for Delta North, has called on Sheriff Oborevwori, the governor of Delta State, to abandon the “old habits” associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he embarks on a new political chapter within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement directed at the governor following his recent defection, Nwoko emphasized that this transition should not merely be a symbolic gesture but rather a transformative process. He urged Oborevwori to “move beyond politics of survival and embrace the politics of legacy.”
“No one pours new wine into old wineskins. It is essential to leave behind outdated practices, old political dynamics, and the arrangements that have contributed to the PDP’s gradual decline in Delta,” Nwoko remarked.
He commended the governor for his decision to join the APC, labeling it as a courageous move that could open up new avenues for both Delta State and the broader political landscape of Nigeria.
The senator pointed out that the APC, now “reenergized and focused,” has already initiated efforts for constitutional amendments, which include the establishment of Anioma and New Delta states.
“Foremost among these initiatives is the creation of two viable new states: Anioma and New Delta,” he stated.
“Let me remind you that this agenda was endorsed by the party leadership long before your defection, highlighting the APC’s commitment to rectifying historical imbalances and addressing regional marginalization.”
Nwoko urged the governor to take the lead in advocating for constitutional reforms, showcasing a renewed commitment to equity, inclusive development, and progressive governance.
“Your defection must transcend mere symbolism; it must be a catalyst for transformation. This is your moment to adopt a renewed sense of purpose and showcase your commitment to progressive governance, equity, and inclusive development,” Nwoko asserted.
“The establishment of Anioma state will finally provide a voice, identity, and institutional power to the aspirations of Delta North, representing a long-overdue acknowledgment of a community seeking parity with its counterparts.
“The proposed New Delta will rectify significant internal disparities within the existing Delta state framework. It will empower marginalized communities, bring government closer to the populace, and pave the way for new economic opportunities.”
“For the first time, the APC possesses the numbers necessary to amend the constitution. This time, we can honor these commitments without imposing burdensome trade-offs on the South. We are not negotiating from a position of weakness; we stand resolutely in a position of strength.
“These proposed changes are not merely political; they are economic imperatives. They concern targeted governance, improved infrastructure, enhanced federal allocations, and grassroots democracy. The creation of two new states will serve as two new engines for development.”