Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Leaders in Delta State have expressed doubt over Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s refutals of alleged defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Recall that the Governor’s chief press secretary, Festus Ahon, and chairman of PDP, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, have countered claims of the governor’s planned defection, earlier raised by the party leaders.
The party leaders, under the aegis of Concerned Leaders of PDP, who described the governor’s denials as laughable said the responses so far to the allegations are feeble, empty, and pointless.
The leaders, in a statement by Mr. Theophilus Ekiyor, Mr. Ochuko Oghenekome and Mr. Ezekiel Chukwudi, said the governor’s defection is all but certain, adding that they would not be caught off guard.
“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.
“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.”
They charged PDP members in the state 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,” they said.
Stressing that the rumours of the governor’s defection to the APC had been making the rounds for a while, they said 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.”
The leaders noted that the fate of the PDP in the state hangs in the balance, adding however they will not stand idly-by, while the party’s fortunes are frittered away and undermined.
“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,” they said.
