Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has described the rumored defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as “sad and unfortunate,” declaring that the 2027 general election will be a battle between the ruling APC and the Nigerian people.

Damagum made these remarks during a press briefing at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, where he addressed recent political developments, internal party dynamics, and the future of the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. The statement has sent ripples through the political space, signaling the PDP’s readiness to confront what it calls the “failures and deception” of the APC-led federal government.

A Defection That Shocks the Party

Reacting to reports of the defection of Governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Okowa, Damagum expressed disappointment, especially considering Okowa’s stature as a former Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2023 election.

“It is indeed a sad and unfortunate development. These are individuals who have benefitted immensely from the PDP platform—who have risen through the ranks of our great party and built their political careers under our banner,” Damagum said.

While there has been no official confirmation from the accused politicians, Damagum insisted that the party has credible intelligence confirming their defection and engagement with the ruling party. “Their silence and absence from crucial party activities recently only confirms the suspicions,” he added.

Betrayal of Trust and Ideals

Damagum went on to describe the alleged defections as a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the PDP and the people of Delta State. He argued that such political moves are often driven by selfish interests rather than ideological alignment or genuine concern for national development.

“The PDP remains a party of structure, people, and principles. To abandon that for a party that has brought untold hardship to Nigerians is to turn one’s back on the ideals of democracy and good governance,” he said.

He further emphasized that such defections will not weaken the PDP’s resolve, but rather strengthen its determination to fight for the soul of Nigeria in the next electoral cycle.

APC Has Failed Nigerians – Damagum

Damagum used the opportunity to lash out at the APC, accusing the ruling party of overseeing the worst economic downturn, insecurity, and unemployment crisis in Nigeria’s democratic history. According to him, the APC’s so-called reforms have only deepened the suffering of the masses, especially with the removal of fuel subsidies and the naira devaluation.

“In less than a year, the APC has pushed more Nigerians into poverty than any government before it. Inflation is at an all-time high, the cost of living is unbearable, and insecurity has become normalized. Yet, instead of providing solutions, they are more interested in luring opposition leaders to their fold,” he lamented.

Damagum declared that the 2027 elections will no longer be a contest between political parties but a referendum on the APC’s leadership and its impact on the lives of Nigerians.

“2027 is no longer APC vs PDP. It is APC vs Nigeria. It is a battle between truth and deception, progress and regression, light and darkness,” he declared, drawing applause from party loyalists present.

PDP Repositioning for 2027

Despite the recent setbacks, Damagum affirmed that the PDP is undergoing a robust repositioning process in preparation for 2027. He stated that internal reforms are ongoing, and a nationwide reconciliation and mobilization strategy has already been activated.

“We are meeting with stakeholders, reaching out to aggrieved members, and building bridges across the country. The PDP remains the only party with the capacity, the spread, and the people to rescue Nigeria from the shackles of bad governance,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that the PDP’s leadership is united and determined to restore public confidence in opposition politics.

Warning to Potential Defectors

Damagum also issued a stern warning to other party members who may be considering defection, urging them to reflect on the long-term consequences of their decisions. He stressed that loyalty to party ideals and the collective good should override personal ambition.

“There comes a time in a nation’s life when you must choose between yourself and your country. This is that time. Anyone who chooses to walk away from the PDP at this moment is choosing personal gain over national interest,” he warned.

He added that the PDP will not beg anyone to stay, noting that “the party must be built on conviction, not convenience.”

Reactions from Stakeholders

Though Oborevwori and Okowa have not issued official statements responding to the claims, political analysts say the accusations may trigger broader discussions about party loyalty, regional politics, and electoral strategy as 2027 draws near.

Several PDP chieftains have also reacted to the news, calling for restraint and unity within the party. Some have urged Damagum to engage the accused leaders directly before drawing final conclusions, while others see the move as a necessary purge to separate true loyalists from opportunists.

Conclusion

With 2027 looming large on the political horizon, the Nigerian political landscape appears set for intense realignment. Damagum’s bold declaration signals the PDP’s readiness to challenge the APC head-on, framing the upcoming elections not just as a political contest, but as a national struggle to reclaim the country from what they describe as failed leadership.

As the drama unfolds, the decisions made in the coming months—by party leaders, defectors, and the electorate—will ultimately shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy.