Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally welcomed Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and their supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring them they are now “co-owners” of the ruling party.
Last Wednesday, Oborevwori, Okowa, and several key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State defected en masse to the APC.
Speaking at a reception ceremony in Asaba, where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shettima emphasized unity and collaboration, making it clear that the new entrants were not guests but full members.
“You are not guests in this house; you are now co-owners. This is as much your party as it is ours,” Shettima declared.
Describing the event as a “testimony to the enduring promise” of the APC, Shettima praised the significance of their decision, noting that the true strength of a political party lies in “the conviction it inspires among those who once opposed it.”
Earlier, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje formally welcomed Governor Oborevwori by presenting him with the APC flag and broom — the party’s symbol. Ganduje also hinted that more defections from the opposition were imminent.
Speaking on behalf of the new APC members, Governor Oborevwori said their movement was not merely a defection but a strategic repositioning involving all stakeholders in Delta State.
“Delta can no longer afford to remain in the opposition. We must align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Oborevwori said, adding that all members of the National Assembly from Delta would formally announce their defection once plenary resumes.
He stressed there would be no factions within the Delta APC and that the entire party structure, from state executives to ward representatives, was moving together.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa echoed similar sentiments, saying the decision was made in the best interest of Delta State and its people.
“We need to connect to the centre to attract greater democratic dividends. This move is in the best interest of our state,” Okowa said, pledging full support for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), and Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), among others.
Also present were Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Ministers Festus Keyamo, Abubakar Momoh, and Abubakar Bagudu; as well as former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.
