BY AUSTIN OYIBODE
As the 2027 general elections in Nigeria approach, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori finds himself navigating a precarious political tightrope. His recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reshaped alliances and intensified rivalries in the politics of the state.
However, this strategic move, coupled with his efforts to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is fraught with challenges that tend to threaten his political survival. From internal old APC resistance to lingering questions about his governance record, Oborevwori’s path to securing the APC governorship ticket and re-election in 2027 is akin to walking on a precarious tightrope.
The Defection: A Strategic Realignment or Political Miscalculation?
On April 23, 2025, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori officially announced his defection from the PDP, under which he won the 2023 gubernatorial election, to the ruling APC. The move followed a high-level, closed-door meeting at the Government House in Asaba, attended by top PDP chieftains and political allies. Oborevwori cited the need for “Delta’s long-term development” and the desire to avoid a “sinking boat” in the PDP, which has been plagued by internal crises and factionalism.
The defection was not a solo act. Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Oborevwori’s predecessor and political mentor, along with the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, and all the PDP stalwarts, also crossed over to the ruling APC. This mass exodus was framed as a “strategic realignment” to bolster the APC’s influence in Delta State, a traditional PDP stronghold since 1999.
Political analysts believe that Oborevwori’s move was driven by a desire to secure his political future and align with the federal power base ahead of 2027, particularly in light of the PDP’s weakening grip on the state. However, the defection has not been universally welcomed by old APC members and even some PDP members whom he cajoled to decamp with him. It has sparked significant discontent among long-standing APC members in the state, a development which is setting the stage for a contentious battle over the party’s governorship ticket.
Oborevwori’s Tortuous Path to 2027
Political observers believe that Governor Oborevwori’s defection to the APC is to secure his second term as governor. He may have calculated and concluded that remaining in the PDP may not guarantee him a second term in office. However, hispath to securing the 2027 ticket on the platform of APC is riddled with obstacles, both within the APC and in the broader political arena.
These challenges threaten to undermine his ambition and retain the governorship in 2027. His path is riddled with resistance from aggrieved APC members who believe the entrance of the governor is to seize their party and render them powerless and make them second class party members.
This is one of the most significant hurdles before Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The “old guard” APC members view his defection with skepticism and hostility. Political analysts have warned that admitting Oborevwori into the APC could erode the party’s credibility and alienate loyal members who have worked to build the party’s grassroots support in Delta State. They argue that Oborevwori’s defection is motivated by self-preservation and a desire to shield his political allies, particularly former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, from scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of state resources, including N1.3 trillion in derivation funds.
The APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, a former Deputy Senate President, still remains a formidable figure in Delta’s APC. Oborevwori’s bid for the APC ticket is seen as an attempt to block Omo-Agege’s path, but this strategy risks igniting internal revolt. Political pundits note that Oborevwori’s previous attempts to sow division within the Delta APC failed, and his defection may further alienate grassroots members who value loyalty and ideology over political opportunism.
On Wednesday night, Omo-Agege’s aide, Chuks Erhire, made it known to all Deltans that the former deputy Senate President is very much interested in the 2027 governorship race under the APC. This he clarified following a report which emanated from the Vanguard newspapers saying Senate Peter Nwaoboshi had struck a deal with him to abandon the governorship for Oborevwori. An agreement Omo-Agege frankly denied entering with Nwaoboshi.
Despite endorsements from some APC factions, mostly the new entrants who are attempting to dwarf the old members and have reportedly declared Oborevwori the party’s “sole candidate” for 2027, these pronouncements are not binding. The APC’s national leadership and primary process will ultimately determine his candidateship, and Oborevwori’s status as a newcomer could put him at a disadvantage against entrenched party loyalists.
Again, Oborevwori’s governance record is another potential stumbling block. Critics have accused his administration of incompetence, and a lack of vision, and have described his administration as lacking direction and focus. At the late hours of Thursday, the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel also known as Akpodoro, faulted the governor’s administration’s focus. He alleged that governor is wasting the slot of Urhobo, accusing him of paying more attention to his Okpe clan away from the entire Urhobo community.
These allegations could undermine his appeal within the APC and among voters. His 2023 election victory was marred by accusations of rigging, and his failure to deliver a commanding performance in his senatorial zone is a pointer to the weakness of his political capital. The PDP’s loss of two out of three senatorial districts in 2023, coupled with the APC’s gains in the Delta State House of Assembly, signals a shifting electoral landscape that may not favour Oborevwori.
Furthermore, public dissatisfaction with the APC-led federal government under President Bola Tinubu, particularly over economic hardships, could spill over to Oborevwori’s campaign. Despite his defection, voters may associate him with the PDP’s 24-year dominance in Delta, which some perceive as having failed to deliver transformative development.
Again, political pundits are of the belief that President Tinubu’s support may not be guaranteed, as the APC’s national leadership may prioritize party unity and loyalty over accommodating a recent defector who may not be trusted. There are fears that the governor may return to his old PDP after securing governorship win. Again, The presence of strong APC power brokers like former DSP Ovie Omo-Agege, who have longstanding ties to the party, further complicates Oborevwori’s reliance on Tinubu’s goodwill as the 2027 politics gradually hots up.
It is also believed that despite the PDP’s internal crises, the party still remains a significant force in Delta State. Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum has downplayed the impact of Oborevwori and Okowa’s defections, asserting that the party’s focus on the people, rather than political elites, will ensure its resilience in 2027. The PDP’s 24-year dominance in Delta has created a deep-rooted support base, and Oborevwori’s defection could alienate voters who remain loyal to the PDP’s legacy.
Walking the Tightrope: Can Oborevwori Prevail?
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection to the APC is seen as a high-stakes gamble to secure his political future in a rapidly changing political landscape. However, the challenges he faces—resistance from aggrieved APC members, a questionable governance record, an uncertain alliance with President Tinubu, and the PDP’s enduring influence, make his path to the 2027 elections very precarious. While endorsements from some APC factions and his alignment with Tinubu provide a foothold, they are far from sufficient to guarantee the APC ticket or re-election.
Former Governor James Ibori whom the governor and his godfather Ifeanyi Okowa dealt with in 2023 is believed to be sharpening his political teeth against Oborevwori ahead of 2027 APC primaries. Ibori is believed to be preparing his preferred candidate for the position. With his friendship with President Tinubu, Ibori could spring a surprise and root the governor out of office in 2027. This is a possibility.
Political analysts believe that the APC in Delta can win the state without Oborevwori. Accepting him would send the wrong message, that loyalty and ideology can be traded for political convenience.
The 2027 elections will test not only Oborevwori’s political acumen but also the APC’s ability to balance ambition with principle in one of Nigeria’s most strategic states. For now, the governor’s fate hangs in the balance, with every step on this tightrope carrying the weight of Delta’s political future.
