By Dominic Adewole, ASABA
In a bold political shift that underscores deepening realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, former leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ward 11, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, have pledged their allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, endorsing them for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
The group, comprising influential grassroots mobilizers and former PDP stakeholders, made the declaration during a strategic meeting held in Asaba.
The convener, Engr. Smart Meka, Chairman of the Delta State Rural Development Agency (RDA) and leader of the ward, described the defection as a “calculated political move” designed to strengthen APC’s hold on the state and consolidate the momentum of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda alongside Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E policy direction.
Among the defectors are: Hon. Fidelis Emordi Ogwu, Special Adviser on Non-Indigenes and Ogbaru Community Chairman in Delta, Hon. Jimoh, Senior Special Assistant on Non-Indigenes and Chairman of Middle-Belt Indigenes.
Others are Alhaji Abubakar Wada, leader of the Igala Community, Mr. Obinna Ajani, former PDP Youth Leader, Alhaji Yusuf Musa, Special Adviser on Muslim Community Affairs and Hon. Mamuzo Gabriel, former Special Assistant to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Focus Groups
Speaking at the event, Meka emphasized the group’s commitment to ensuring APC victories at all levels in 2027, asserting that “deft political strategies have been put in place” to translate support into electoral dominance.
“We must deliver APC candidates from top to bottom in 2027,” Meka said. “The so-called coalition of political parties is dead on arrival. As former PDP gatekeepers now with APC, we are vigilant and ready. It is Tinubu for President and Oborevwori till 2031.”
Meka praised Governor Oborevwori for “legacy-defining infrastructural projects” and lauded President Tinubu for what he termed the “renewal of the true face of Nigeria” through the Renewed Hope agenda.
Hon. Jimoh added that Middle-Belt communities had already pledged full support to President Tinubu even before Oborevwori’s switch to APC, describing the governor’s defection as “a strategic boost” for APC’s grassroots consolidation.
While the development reflects growing support for the APC in traditionally PDP strongholds, political analysts say the real test will come during primaries and voter mobilization efforts in a state still deeply divided along party lines.
