Wike gave the commendation in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okowa, the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Okowa decamped alongside Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and other PDP stalwarts in the state, collapsing the entire PDP structures in the state to the APC.

Wike described the development as another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country.

He called on other Nigerians, who were still sitting on the fence to throw in their support for Tinubu.

According to him, Okowa and Oborevwori open endorsement of Tinubu is a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.

“I commend Okowa and Gov. Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.

“That is what I have always told people to come out and say, not to be running up and down when they have problems.

“They have come out at the right time to show support for Mr President so that the people of Niger Delta can benefit more from the government, and I commend them for it.

“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the “Renewed Hope train,” the minister said. (NAN)

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, gave the assurance in a statement while welcoming the governor to the APC.

He said the APC was highly elated by the decision of Oborevwori to join its fold along with eminent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

This, he noted, included the state’s immediate past governor and vice-presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 presidential election, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and senior administration officials.

Morka added that the defectors also included PDP Delta leaders and members of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Chairmen and Councillors.

“Our great party welcomes this important development, and assures the governor and incoming leaders and members of Delta PDP of our fullest cooperation and accommodation in the APC family.

“With this move, coming on the heels of steady decamping of PDP leaders and members across the state to APC, including members of Delta Unity Group in Ika Federal Constituency.

“We are delighted that Delta now an APC state, stands poised to contribute maximally to the success and realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“And to the enduring good and prosperity of the people of Delta and all Nigerians,” the APC spokesman said. (NAN)

Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), stated this while speaking with journalists in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with other Progressive Governors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oborevwori officially joined the APC on Wednesday.

“When a governor joins our party, we view it as a significant event and a moment to commend ourselves and thank Almighty God.

“That’s exactly our sentiment. The Progressives Governors resolved today to celebrate this development and extend congratulations to one another,” Uzodinma said.

He noted that governors not originally elected on the APC platform now recognise President Bola Tinubu’s efforts and are aligning with the party for a united Nigeria.

“The APC treats sub-national governance with great importance.

“So, a governor defecting to our party is a heavy development in our political journey,” he said.

Uzodinma said the governors discussed the welfare of the APC and current national issues during their meeting.

They pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s policies and vowed to strengthen the ruling party.

He stated that the Progressive Governors would promote Tinubu’s achievements so that Nigerians can fully appreciate the administration’s progress.

“We’ll counter blackmail and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.

“We, as Progressive Governors, firmly support President Tinubu and the APC government in Nigeria.

“We are pleased with the progress. In spite of challenges, the reform policies are beginning to yield visible results.

“We pray God grants the President wisdom, courage and strength to deliver greater dividends of democracy for Nigerians,” Uzodinma said.