Shockwaves In PDP: BoT Chair Says Oborevwori, Okowa’s Exit May Be Party’s Turning Point

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), Adolphus Wabara, has responded to the defection of the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and several other key PDP figures in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wabara downplayed concerns over the defections, stating that although the PDP would “certainly miss” the departed members, their exit would not weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.

He described the situation as “a blessing in disguise,” predicting that the APC would soon suffer internal turmoil as a result of absorbing the defectors.

“The PDP will ultimately have the last laugh because soon enough, there will be an implosion in the APC. Those joining now will eventually try to unseat longstanding APC members, causing internal conflicts. When that happens, many will find their way back to the PDP,” Wabara said.

According to him, the defections were anticipated and stemmed from various reasons, including personal ambitions, loss of trust in the electoral process, and the quest for political survival, particularly for a second term in office.

“This was expected. We should brace for even more defections. It’s just politics. Some are switching sides for second-term ambitions, while others seek protection,” he explained.

Wabara remained confident that the 2027 general elections would be challenging for the ruling APC, countering what he termed misplaced optimism among its leaders.

He insisted that Nigerians, wearied by APC’s poor governance, would vote decisively in 2027.

“This is largely a movement of leaders, not the grassroots. Moreover, I have credible information that not all leaders are defecting. In the end, it is Nigerians who will decide the outcome of the 2027 elections, not just political parties,” he added.

Wabara also highlighted the loss of confidence in the electoral system as a major factor fueling defections, noting that many politicians were moving to the ruling party out of fear over election transparency and fairness.