Lukman Reacts to Okowa, Oborevwori’s Defection to APC, Says Move Was Expected

Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Salihu Lukman, has described the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Delta governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC as “expected.

Lukman, who made the remark on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the development, said the coalition of opposition political parties would not be bothered by their defection or that of any other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor.

According to him, the coalition had been aware that some PDP governors were already working closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“You also know the situation in PDP. The party is clearly a shadow of its own self. Although we acknowledge there are people, there are leaders in PDP who are optimistic they can rescue the party,” Lukman said.

He recalled that when PDP governors previously issued a statement against the coalition, their reaction was clear: “Our response was that many of them are working for Asiwaju. And shortly after that, you saw the statement from Akwa Ibom, and of course, the Delta governor.”

He added, “It’s not only him. If you check the comments, there are many more that are being expected — both from those genuinely concerned about the future of the country and those on the side of the APC who are jubilating.”

Lukman also emphasized that the coalition remains committed to correcting the errors of past administrations under both Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu.

“If we are talking of correcting the mistakes of Buhari, correcting the mistakes of Asiwaju, we don’t want to produce a government that will be seen as a sectional government,” he said.

“We want to produce a government that Nigerians will be proud of — one with new leaders that are truly accountable. We don’t want to produce another set of emperors.”