By Basil Okoh
The Ika South chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Agbor was the first to raise alarm over attempts to prevent their routine party meeting at the roundabout on Mariere Street, shortly after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori declared that the entire Delta State PDP had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor reportedly instructed PDP structures across the state to shut down and urged members to individually register with the APC at their respective wards.
Following the governor’s announcement, the APC State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, confirmed that ward-level structures of the APC were prepared to welcome and register former PDP members. The defection, which caught party members by surprise, sent shockwaves through the PDP in Delta. Like lions startled by a loud noise, the PDP members initially retreated in confusion. But, as in nature, the retreat gave way to a renewed roar as party loyalists began regrouping to reclaim their place in Delta’s political landscape.
With a legacy of 26 uninterrupted years of dominance in Delta State politics, the PDP has begun rebuilding efforts in all 270 wards across the state. Without waiting for direction from former leaders, grassroots members are reigniting their structures and signaling their resolve to contest future elections. The revival is being led by Emmanuel Ogidi from Isoko South, who has been mandated by the party’s interim National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagun, to organize the remaining members and steer the party toward electing new state executives.
Despite the uphill nature of this task, many believe the PDP’s longstanding cohesion and experience will serve it well. In recent years, however, the party had become top-heavy and somewhat complacent. The current crisis, some argue, is an opportunity to shed political dead weight and return to leaner, more effective grassroots politics.
The biggest threat to a renewed PDP, insiders say, will not come from rival political parties or internal disorganization, but from interference by former party leaders—specifically Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Observers believe the party stands a chance at full recovery if the interim leadership is allowed to work without disruption. A new state executive untainted by previous power dynamics could reposition the PDP as a formidable force in the state.
The APC, many say, is struggling to contain internal contradictions and lacks the cohesion to challenge a rejuvenated PDP, even with the governor’s seat in its grasp. Governor Oborevwori remains widely unpopular, and few in the state are inclined to follow his political direction. Analysts believe the bigger challenge facing the PDP is sabotage from former members who understand its inner workings and may attempt to destabilize it from within.
There are already signs that Dr. Okowa may be quietly attempting to regain control of the PDP through back channels. He has allegedly been sending messages to former State Chairman Kingsley Esiso, urging him to take back the reins, although Esiso has denied any such communications. Nevertheless, many believe this is a typical move in Okowa’s political playbook—disrupt opposition through inducements and infiltration rather than open confrontation. That strategy, they say, will likely be deployed against the resurgent PDP as well.
Meanwhile, both Okowa and Oborevwori are reportedly struggling to gain a foothold in the APC. Contrary to their expectations, few PDP members have followed them into the ruling party. Their strategy to overwhelm existing APC structures with loyal defectors and dominate the coming congresses has largely failed. Many former PDP faithful feel betrayed by the abrupt defection and are resisting the pressure to cross over.
In Ika South, APC Chairman Hilary Fada Ibude admitted that fewer than five percent of PDP defectors in his area had agreed to register with the APC. Across the state, tensions are simmering as ward-level clashes erupt between a handful of defectors and the majority who refused to leave the PDP. To discourage returnees, APC ward officials are reportedly demanding that new registrants surrender their PDP membership cards before receiving APC registration—an underground war being waged at local party offices.
The slow pace of defections is seen as a stark reflection of the growing unpopularity of both Okowa and Oborevwori. The assumption that their hold on the governorship would guarantee mass loyalty has backfired. Many grassroots PDP members insist they will not abandon their party because of personal loyalty to individuals. “Nobody is benefitting from this defection except Okowa and Sheriff,” a PDP member in Ethiope West said. “They cannot just tell us to follow them blindly. What do we gain?”
Despite the public drama, not a single top PDP figure across Delta State has officially resigned from the party. Even Governor Oborevwori and Dr. Okowa have yet to submit resignation letters to their PDP ward chairmen—who, by party rules, are the only recognized authorities to receive such notices. Neither have they publicly registered with the APC.
For now, the political chessboard remains fluid. But one thing is clear: the PDP is regrouping and reawakening—and the battle for the soul of Delta politics has only just begun.
@basilokoh.
