APC Not a Dumping Ground!” – Lukman Slams Okowa, Oborevwori Over Sudden Defection

Salihu Lukman, former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC as a predictable move.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Lukman said the coalition of political forces backing President Bola Tinubu was not unsettled by their defection, nor by the possibility of more PDP governors following suit. He emphasized that the coalition was well aware of internal political shifts within the PDP.

“The PDP is clearly a shadow of what it used to be,” Lukman said. “Although there are still leaders within the party who believe it can be salvaged, the writing has been on the wall for some time.”

He noted that the coalition had already anticipated defections from PDP governors, pointing out that some had been openly working with the Tinubu administration long before their official move. “If you recall, when PDP governors made a statement against the coalition, our response was simple: many of them are already aligned with Asiwaju,” he stated.

Commenting on the varied reactions to the defections, Lukman highlighted that while some citizens fear a drift toward a one-party system, others within government and the APC are celebrating the development. “Just after that, you saw statements from Akwa Ibom and now Delta. And there are more expected. The concerns are real, but so is the political momentum,” he added.

Despite the shifting political landscape, Lukman reiterated that the coalition remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. He stressed the importance of building a government that is inclusive, responsive, and distinctly different from previous administrations.

“Our goal is to correct the errors of the Buhari era and ensure President Tinubu’s government does not become a sectional one. We want a leadership that truly serves all Nigerians and is held accountable,” Lukman concluded.