The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Governor of Delta State and former PDP vice-presidential candidate, as well as current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for their decision to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and publicly back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Wike’s commendation came in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in which he described the move as “heart-warming” and a clear endorsement of Tinubu’s governance and commitment to national development.
Okowa and Oborevwori’s defection, alongside other Delta PDP leaders, effectively collapsed the PDP structure in the state, marking one of the most significant political realignments in the South-South region in recent years.
Wike, a former PDP strongman himself, seized the opportunity to highlight the broader political shift:
“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,” Wike stated.
“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.”
He further claimed Okowa’s decision vindicates his own controversial stance in 2023, when he publicly backed Tinubu’s candidacy over his party’s presidential nominee.
“I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the ‘Renewed Hope train,’” Wike added.
The latest defections are said to be expected to shake up Nigeria’s political landscape, especially in the traditionally PDP-dominated South-South region, and may influence the dynamics of future elections.
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