The defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has despatched tremors via the ranks of Nigeria’s important opposition get together — and appearing PDP chairman Umar Damagum isn’t hiding his disappointment.
“This one hurts,” Damagum admitted Thursday, talking on the presentation of a certificates of return to Ezenwafor Jude, the PDP’s governorship candidate in Anambra. “We least anticipated this motion from Delta.”
Delta, in any case, has been a PDP stronghold. It’s additionally the house state of former governor Ifeanyi Okowa — the get together’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate.
For Damagum, that makes Oborevwori’s transfer not only a political loss, however a betrayal of deep-seated loyalty.
“We gave them every thing — our full help,” he mentioned, visibly pained.
Oborevwori’s change comes amid a rising development: extra PDP heavyweights are rumored to be eyeing the ruling get together.
The defections increase questions concerning the PDP’s cohesion forward of the 2027 basic elections.
However Damagum says it’s not about what number of governors a celebration has — it’s concerning the folks.
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“This election in 2027 shouldn’t be about governors. It’s about Nigerians,” he emphasised. “It’s APC versus Nigerians.”
The appearing chairman pointed to the hardships going through peculiar residents, inserting the blame squarely on the insurance policies of President Bola Tinubu.
For Damagum, the true battle isn’t political — it’s private.
“The peculiar man is feeling the ache,” he mentioned. “So I need to inform Nigerians — that is your election. You have got the facility.”
Regardless of the sting of Oborevwori’s departure, Damagum stays defiant. “We’ve confronted more durable storms,” he mentioned. “And we’re nonetheless standing.”
For PDP loyalists, that’s the message Damagum hopes will resonate: disappointment, sure — however not defeat.
