PDP vs. Delta Defectors: Legal Showdown and Political Implications
ABUJA, Nigeria – April 30, 2025
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated its battle against defectors in Delta State, initiating legal proceedings to reclaim mandates from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other officials who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This move follows the April 23 mass defection that dismantled the PDP’s Delta structure, marking one of Nigeria’s most consequential political shifts in recent years.
Legal Framework and Court Strategy
- Electoral Act 2022: The PDP cites Section 68(1g), which mandates elected officials to vacate their seats if they defect without a division in their original party.
- Lawsuits: The party’s National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, will file cases to reclaim the governorship, deputy governorship, legislative seats, and local government positions held by defectors.
- Precedents: The PDP aims to replicate past victories, such as the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Sokoto State, where defectors were ordered to vacate seats.
Key Defectors and APC’s “Hurricane Tinubu”
- Defectors: Governor Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, ex-Governor Okowa, commissioners, and all 25 local government chairmen joined the APC.
- APC’s Strategy: Dubbed “Hurricane Tinubu,” the APC framed the defections as a “political tsunami” signaling dominance in the PDP’s South-South stronghold.
- Reception: Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje welcomed defectors at an Asaba rally, pledging federal support for Delta’s development.
PDP’s Countermeasures
- Leadership Shakeup: The PDP dissolved Delta’s party structure and appointed Emma Ogidi, South-South Zonal Chairman, to lead a caretaker committee.
- NEC Meeting: Scheduled for May 27 to finalize reorganization plans ahead of the August National Convention.
- Expulsions: The NWC warned of sanctions against members “flirting” with the APC, including governors eyeing Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Statements and Reactions
- Umar Damagum (PDP Acting Chairman):
- “We’ll reclaim our mandates through the courts. Delta remains a PDP state.”
- “APC’s celebration is premature-defectors will face legal consequences.”
- Ifeanyi Okowa:
- Defended his defection, stating the APC offers “better governance opportunities” and accusing PDP leaders of hypocrisy.
- Abba Moro (Senate Minority Leader):
- “Defectors betrayed the party. Legal action is necessary to uphold accountability.”
Political Fallout
- One-Party Fears: The defection reduces PDP governors to five, intensifying concerns about Nigeria’s opposition landscape.
- APC’s Gains: The ruling party now controls three South-South states (Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom), reshaping 2027 calculations.
- Moral Debate: Okowa’s criticism of his PDP vice-presidential candidacy as a “mistake” sparked backlash, with Moro calling it “uncharitable.”
