The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and current Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressing their support for President Bola Tinubu. Wike described their decision as "another endorsement of the president's good governance and commitment to the development of the country".
Details of the Defection
Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Vice Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, defected to the APC alongside Governor Oborevwori and other PDP stalwarts in Delta State. This move has been seen as a significant blow to the PDP, with Wike urging other Nigerians to throw their support behind President Tinubu.
Wike's Reaction
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Wike said, "I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria". He added that their support is a vindication of his own stance in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria ¹ ².
Implications of the Defection
The defection of Okowa and Oborevwori to the APC has sparked reactions from various quarters. Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, Olabode George, described the move as "shocking" and urged the Delta State Governor to vacate his seat, citing the fact that he was elected on the platform of the PDP ³.
Key Reactions
- *Nyesom Wike*: Described the defection as a testament to President Tinubu's good governance.
- *Olabode George*: Expressed shock and urged Governor Oborevwori to vacate his seat.
- *PDP*: Faces significant loss with the collapse of its structures in Delta State ¹ ³.
