Delta PDP grapples with defections ahead of 2023 polls

• Published date: 09 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Agale of defections has hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State. OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE examines the implications of the crisis for the March 12 governorship election in the Southsouth state.

Following the gale of defections that has hit the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, there is apprehension within the party's hierarchy of an upset victory for the opposition APC at 12th March Delta governorship election, unless the current hemorrhage is stanched.

With general elections weeks away, it appears the party may be heading into a major political battle with a resurgent All Progressive Congress (APC), badly divided.

The Nation gathered that the crisis may not be unconnected with the outcome of the PDP governorship primary election, which was held May 25th last year and won by Sheriff Oborevwori and the alleged marginalisation and disdain for party leaders.

At the party's 25th May, 2022 primary election, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa supported Delta Speaker, Sheriff Oborevwori as the party flagbearer, while former Governor James Ibori backed his protégé David Edevbie, a former two time Finance and Pioneer Economic Planning Commissioner, as his preferred candidate.

It was learnt that the impasse between former Governor James Ibori and Governor Okowa over the choice of the PDP Delta State governorship flagbearer may be behind the defections.

To further add fuel to speculations of a frosty relationship between Okowa and Ibori, Ibori, has been the case since Okowa's first tenure, was conspicuously absent at the PDP governorship rally which held 5th of January in Oghara, Ethiope West LGA, Chief James Ibori's hometown.

Although Delta Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu downplayed Ibori's absence at that rally, whose objective was to drum up support for the party's flagbearer, Sheriff Oborevwori, pundits claim that it proves that all is not well with the PDP.

Aniagwu said: 'There is no law that says every party member must always be present for party events. For instance, I was not present at the Oghara meeting. So, there are number of persons you may not see as they are busy elsewhere. It will only be news, if you see him (Ibori) campaigning for APC. The only time it can become news is, if Ibori is campaigning for APC. He is a very strategic person. We respect him as our national leader. And we know PDP runs in his blood. So, there is no cause for alarm. If he is around even, if he is not in Oghara or Asaba, he will attend.'

Despite the immediate...