A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has said the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, the entire cabinet, and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the APC will significantly strengthen the party’s support base in the South-South region.
Abe, who serves as Chairman of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), made this assertion in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Parry Benson.
He described the development as a sign that Nigeria’s democracy is thriving under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
“Democracy flourishes when every citizen is afforded genuine freedom of association and freedom of choice,” Abe said.
He noted that President Tinubu’s administration has enhanced resources available to states, enabling “serious-minded governors” to better serve their people.
“This is the merit that Sheriff Oborevwori and his team have seen and decided to take advantage of, to move the people of Delta State closer to the centre and accelerate development. It is a step in the right direction, and I commend him,” he stated.
Abe also drew a parallel with the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, when he contested the presidency while serving as Vice President.
He argued that the decision of Governor Oborevwori and former Governor Okowa to join the APC is appropriate and will ultimately benefit the people of Delta State and the entire South-South geopolitical zone.
Reacting to critics who accused President Tinubu of promoting a one-party state, Abe said such criticisms are misplaced, stressing that it is not the responsibility of the President or the APC to build an opposition against themselves.
He urged key APC leaders in Delta State, including Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Festus Keyamo, and Chief Ayeni, to unite and support Governor Oborevwori and his team to ensure a smooth integration into the party.
Abe emphasized that the APC under President Tinubu remains broad and inclusive enough to accommodate all Nigerians.
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