A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu, has stated that the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling APC is a vindication of those who had earlier raised concerns about former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s alleged violation of the PDP constitution.
Okechukwu, a vocal critic of the PDP’s zoning controversies in the run-up to the 2023 general elections, expressed satisfaction that recent developments are now validating his long-standing argument regarding the breach of internal democracy and zoning principles within the opposition party.
Governor’s Defection Sends a Strong Message
Reacting to Governor Oborevwori’s widely reported defection, Okechukwu said the move by the Delta State leader was not just a personal decision but a political statement that underscores the internal crisis and growing dissatisfaction within the PDP. He said the defection vindicates political actors like himself and others who opposed Atiku’s presidential ambition on the grounds of constitutional violation.
“This development has once again confirmed that the PDP is reaping the consequences of ignoring its own constitution,” Okechukwu said in a statement issued in Abuja. “We cried foul when Atiku Abubakar unilaterally threw the party’s zoning arrangement into the gutter, and now we are witnessing the fallout of that reckless political miscalculation.”
PDP Zoning Crisis and the Road to 2023
The PDP’s zoning controversy became a major source of internal conflict before the 2023 elections. The party’s constitution clearly outlines the rotation of presidential power between the North and the South. However, the emergence of Atiku Abubakar, a northern candidate, as the party’s flag bearer, despite the North having occupied the presidency recently under the APC, sparked major backlash from southern stakeholders.
According to Okechukwu, this disregard for zoning triggered a chain reaction that weakened the PDP’s foundation and created disaffection among its southern members, some of whom later formed the G5 Governors—a group of PDP governors who refused to support Atiku’s candidacy.
“Those of us who are progressives, whether in APC or PDP, who believe in equity, fairness, and justice, stood up to challenge that anomaly. What happened with Governor Oborevwori is the political consequence of that injustice,” he said.
Oborevwori’s Strategic Move
While Governor Oborevwori has yet to make a public declaration explaining his defection, sources close to his political camp suggest that his move is largely influenced by both local political calculations and dissatisfaction with the PDP’s national leadership. Political analysts have noted that as a southern leader, Oborevwori may have felt betrayed by the PDP’s decision to ignore the rotational agreement, especially when the South was due to produce the presidential candidate.
Okechukwu said Oborevwori’s decision must be viewed within the larger context of the political marginalization felt by many southern leaders in the PDP. “It is not just a defection. It is a protest. It is a bold move against the injustice meted out to the South by the party leadership. He has chosen to align with a political structure that recognizes balance and inclusivity,” Okechukwu remarked.
Vindication for G5 Governors and Southern Leaders
Okechukwu also used the occasion to applaud the G5 Governors for standing firm in defense of equity and justice, saying their opposition to Atiku’s candidacy has now been proven valid. He noted that the ripple effects of the PDP’s decision continue to manifest as more members question the credibility of the party’s leadership.
“The G5 Governors were vilified for insisting on fairness. Today, their stand has been vindicated. Oborevwori’s move reinforces the point that the PDP under Atiku lost its moral compass. The party ignored warning signs and dismissed internal dissent as inconsequential, but today, it is facing the consequences,” he said.
APC Poised to Consolidate Gains
Okechukwu further argued that the APC stands to benefit greatly from the growing discontent within the PDP. He welcomed Oborevwori’s defection, stating that the APC remains the only viable political platform committed to national unity, equitable power sharing, and sustainable development.
“The APC has shown commitment to unity in diversity. President Bola Tinubu, a southern president, represents that commitment. We urge other well-meaning leaders across the country to join hands with the APC to deepen democracy and strengthen the federation,” Okechukwu added.
He emphasized that with the kind of political realignments taking place, the APC is positioning itself as the party of national consensus and balanced representation.
Looking Ahead
With political tensions still simmering in the opposition camp, observers believe more defections could be on the horizon. Analysts suggest that unless the PDP undertakes urgent reforms and addresses grievances related to zoning and internal democracy, its future viability as a strong opposition party may continue to dwindle.
Okechukwu concluded his statement by urging political actors to place national interest above personal ambition. “If we must move forward as a country, our political parties must be guided by principles, not convenience. The constitution of a party is its soul; to disregard it is to invite disintegration.”
As Nigeria prepares for the next phase of political engagements, the defection of Governor Oborevwori may not be the last, but it has certainly added fuel to the ongoing debate about internal party democracy, zoning, and leadership credibility in the country’s political landscape.
