PDP’s House Is Collapsing — Oghenesivbe …Defends Okowa, Hails Defection As Strategic For Delta’s Growth
ASABA/Nigeria: The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation, Dr. (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has described the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a deadly “political cancer” that may completely paralyze the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the KAKAKI morning show on Africa Independent Television (AIT) on Wednesday, Oghenesivbe painted a grim picture of the PDP’s future, warning that its internal power tussles, unresolved disputes, and lack of cohesion have already eroded the party’s relevance and influence. “The multifaceted litigations and internal crisis in the PDP has become unbearable,” he said. “It’s a deeply rooted political cancer that would grind the party to halt before the 2027 general elections.”
He linked the ongoing collapse of the PDP to a series of defections and intra-party battles since 2015, noting that the latest wave of political realignment in Delta State was the result of strategic consultations led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and key stakeholders. According to him, Monday’s defection of top PDP figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a well-thought-out move aimed at aligning the state with the ruling party at the federal level to enhance development.
Oghenesivbe dismissed speculations that the defections were linked to a petition over an alleged N1.3 trillion fund misappropriation involving former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. He defended the former governor, insisting that Okowa voluntarily honored an EFCC invitation, was questioned and released, and has not been indicted by any court or the commission. “Okowa served Delta and Deltans without blemish,” he said, stressing that an EFCC invitation does not equate to guilt under Nigeria’s criminal jurisprudence.
He emphasized that Governor Oborevwori’s decision to lead Delta’s PDP structure into the APC was driven by the need for political stability and developmental focus. “Governor Oborevwori needed peace of mind to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people,” Oghenesivbe said, adding that the governor’s national recognition as Best Governor of the Year and leader in good governance proves he’s on the right track.
Describing the mass defection as a “political tsunami” of unprecedented magnitude, Oghenesivbe said the move would open doors for Delta State to benefit fully from the APC-led federal government’s development agenda. “Delta is now positioned to gain more from the APC-led federal government. We are no longer in opposition at the centre,” he stated.
He concluded by reiterating that with the PDP’s central leadership in disarray and the governors unable to form a united front, remaining in the party would have exposed Delta to unnecessary political risks. “The PDP power house is collapsing rapidly,” he warned, “and we do not want it to collapse on our heads.”
With the political tide turning, Oghenesivbe affirmed that Delta is now better poised to pursue prosperity through unity, stability, and stronger ties with the federal government.
