PDP chairman Umar Damagum calls Delta governor’s defection to APC “unfortunate” and says 2027 will be a battle between Tinubu and Nigerians, not governors.
PDP Reacts to Delta Governor’s Defection, Says 2027 Election Is Between Tinubu and Nigerians
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has described the recent defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other prominent party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “unfortunate” and a betrayal of the party’s trust.
Speaking in Abuja during the presentation of Certificate of Return to PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, Jude Ezenwafor, Damagum expressed deep disappointment, especially considering the support the party had given to Delta State over the years.
We least expected this action from them. PDP has been very magnanimous to Delta. We gave them everything grom the governorship to vice presidential candidacy,” Damagum said.
The defection, which also reportedly includes former Delta Governor and PDP vice presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, was announced after a closed-door meeting in Asaba, led by Senator James Manager.
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Despite the high-profile exits, Damagum emphasized that the party remains unshaken and would immediately reconstitute its state leadership structures, beginning with the formation of a caretaker committee in Delta.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Damagum dismissed concerns about party defections and stressed that the real battle is not between political parties but between President Tinubu and the Nigerian people.
“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have. It’s APC versus Nigerians,” he declared.
Citing Peter Obi’s performance in 2023, Damagum reminded Nigerians that party machinery alone does not determine election outcomes, adding that citizens suffering under current economic hardship will decide the next administration.
He also encouraged PDP members across the country to remain united and resilient, stating that the party had overcome greater challenges in the past.
Meanwhile, Jude Ezenwafor, PDP’s candidate for the upcoming November 8 Anambra governorship election, expressed gratitude and confidence in securing victory.
Anambra is PDP and PDP is Anambra. I’ll surprise the world with the election result,” Ezenwafor said.
