The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced plans to challenge in court the recent defections of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire state party structure to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking after the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting, Acting National Chairman Ambassador Umar Damagum described the development as deeply regrettable but affirmed that the party would pursue legal avenues to reclaim its mandate, asserting that those who defected were elected under the PDP platform.
In response, the PDP has dissolved all existing party structures in Delta State and directed the South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman, Mr. Emma Ogidi, to take charge. Ogidi has been tasked with rebuilding the party in the state and ignoring the faction led by Chief Dan Orbih. Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Ebere Wabara downplayed the defections, calling them a “blessing in disguise” and predicting an internal implosion within the APC.
Senator Okowa, PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, confirmed he consulted with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar before his defection and denied that it was motivated by pressure from the EFCC. The PDP also announced that its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will be held on May 27, 2025, with plans for a full convention in August.
