Defection Sparks PDP Disappointment As Damagum Calls 2027 ‘APC Vs Nigerians’ Showdown.
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagum, has expressed deep disappointment over the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and key political figures to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a betrayal of the party’s magnanimity.
Speaking on Tuesday during the presentation of the Certificate of Return to the PDP’s Anambra governorship candidate, Chief Ezenwafor Jude, Damagum lamented what he called a shocking realignment by Delta stakeholders, stating that the party had given the state unwavering support over the years.
“If there is any state that has enjoyed the full goodwill of the PDP, it is Delta. From the emergence of Governor Oborevwori to his predecessor, who was also our vice presidential candidate, we have always stood with them. We never imagined such a decision would come from there,” Damagum said.
Despite the setback, the PDP chairman assured party members and supporters that the party remains resilient and prepared to recover from the defection. He revealed that steps were already underway to reconstitute the party’s structure in Delta, beginning with the formation of a caretaker committee.
“This party has weathered storms before and is still standing. We are taking stock, and we will respond swiftly. Let no one think this marks the end — far from it,” he declared.
Turning to the future, Damagum framed the upcoming 2027 general election as a defining moment, calling it a contest between the ruling APC and the Nigerian people. He dismissed concerns over PDP’s loss of prominent figures, stressing that the real power lies with the ordinary citizen.
“This election is not about how many governors or senators you have. It’s about the daily reality of the Nigerian people. The pain, the economic hardship — these are not coincidences but consequences of APC’s policies. That is why 2027 is APC versus Nigerians,” he stated passionately.
He cited the performance of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 election as proof that political change does not require holding executive office beforehand.
“This is a people’s election. If Peter Obi, who had not held a federal post, could garner the support he did, then Nigerians can certainly come together to make a change in 2027,” he said.
While the defection has raised questions about the unity within PDP ranks, Damagum’s remarks aimed to rally party loyalists and inspire hope. He urged all members to close ranks and prepare for what he described as a battle for Nigeria’s future.
As political temperatures rise ahead of 2027, the defection from Delta may prove to be a pivotal moment — not just for the PDP, but for the broader trajectory of Nigerian politics.
