By Ebiere Kekeboro
A power struggle is brewing in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has found themselves on opposite sides of a leadership tussle.
The governor’s defection to the APC has sparked a crisis over who will lead the party in the state. While Oborevwori’s supporters see him as the natural leader of the party, Omo-Agege insists he remains the leader.
The APC constitution is silent on whom the leader of the party is, but governors usually take charge of party affairs due to state resources at their disposal and the influence they wield. A party leader said, “The governors are the de facto leaders of the party. They usually dictate the terms.”
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Though Omo-Agege, in collaboration with Mr Festus Keyamo, has been managing the affairs of the party in Delta State, the former Senate President is still insisting that he remained the leader of the party.
Omo-Agege maintains that he remains the leader of the party in Delta State. In a statement, he said, “The leadership of Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, warmly welcome Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all leaders and members of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, into the All Progressives Congress, APC.”
“This historic move underscores the success of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in driving growth and development in our country.
“In line with outcomes of deliberations with the national leadership of our party, the Progressive Governors Forum, and Delta APC stakeholders, I wish to assure all stakeholders that any issue arising from this development is being carefully considered and managed with prudence and foresight, in the best interests of our party and our beloved state.
“Let us embrace this development with unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.
“In this renewed spirit of brotherhood in Delta APC, I urge all LGA and ward chairmen, their executives, party members, and our teeming supporters to turn out en-masse for the welcome reception of our new members into the APC on April 28, 2025, in Asaba.
“This development reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.
“Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve greatness for Delta State and Nigeria. I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his political sagacity and visionary leadership, as well as to the national chairman and the entire National Working Committee of the APC for their unwavering support and tireless efforts.”
However, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has thrown his weight behind Oborevwori, describing him as his leader. Keyamo wrote on X, “Finally, Delta is APC. Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our party. Thank you, my leader and Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision.”
President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, have directed that there should be no stumbling block to Oborevwori’s official declaration as a member of the APC. The party’s national leadership has also welcomed the defectors, with Vice President Kashim Shettima set to receive Oborevwori and other decampees at a rally in Asaba.
Omo-Agege’s insistence on remaining the leader of the party has raised questions about the future of the APC in Delta State. However, party leaders believe that Oborevwori’s leadership will bring unity and progress to the party.
APC founding leader in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, welcomed Oborevwori to the party, describing his defection as a momentous event that has changed the political landscape in the state. Emerhor said, “I write to formally welcome you, the leadership of Delta PDP, and the multitude of PDP members and supporters in Delta, as you formally lead them to join the APC progressive family.”
Former Ambassador to Thailand, Oma Djebah, also welcomed Oborevwori to the APC, saying, “We all welcome our governor to the APC family in Delta State. I believe the future beckons with successes and accomplishments as the APC family grows from strength to strength in Delta State.”
The APC is set to hold a rally in Asaba to welcome Oborevwori and other defectors. The event is expected to be attended by several governors and high-ranking party officials.
In a statement, APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, said, “This momentous occasion has created a massive political earthquake that has transformed the landscape of the entire Delta State.” The party is optimistic that Oborevwori’s leadership will bring progress and development to the state.
Ten governors elected on the platform of the APC have arrived in Asaba for the event, including Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Bassey Otu (Cross Rivers), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Ahmed Ododo (Kogi), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Dikko Radda (Kastina), and Mohammed Yahaya (Gombe). The event is expected to be a major boost to the APC’s fortunes in Delta State.