By Philip Nwosu
A prominent political analyst, George Urhie, has issued a strong caution to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) against admitting Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State into its fold ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Urhie’s warning comes amid swelling speculation that Oborevwori, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is positioning himself for a potential defection to the ruling APC — a move he says could significantly reshape Delta’s political terrain.
Despite Oborevwori’s repeated assertions that “Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta”, insiders suggest that political overtures have already been made in Abuja, with the governor allegedly seeking to switch allegiance in return for the APC’s 2027 governorship ticket.
But for Urhie, the stakes are too high and the implications too dire.
“Oborevwori’s motivations appear to be centred around self-preservation, shielding his political allies, and evading scrutiny over the alleged mismanagement of state resources — not a genuine commitment to the APC’s reform agenda,” Urhie said.
Oborevwori’s Alleged Agenda: Power, Protection, and Political Cover
According to Urhie, the governor’s rumoured defection bid is a strategic play to consolidate power, avoid accountability for PDP-era governance lapses, and protect his political benefactor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, from future legal troubles, especially regarding the alleged mismanagement of N1.3 trillion in derivation funds meant for oil-producing communities.
The analyst also linked Oborevwori’s moves to fears over the rising influence of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate and former Deputy Senate President.
“Oborevwori is desperate to block Omo-Agege’s path to the APC ticket. His previous strategy of sponsoring division within the Delta APC failed. Now, he sees defection as his only way to stay politically afloat,” Urhie stated.
Urhie warned that Oborevwori’s inclusion in the APC could severely backfire, eroding the party’s credibility in Delta State and betraying those who left the PDP to embrace progressive change.
“Welcoming him would undermine the grassroots movement that has built APC into a formidable force. It would alienate loyal party members, ignite internal revolt, and damage public trust.”
He stressed that Oborevwori’s leadership track record — allegedly defined by corruption, incompetence, and lack of vision — does not align with the APC’s reformist narrative in Delta.
Backing his argument with 2023 election data, Urhie pointed out that PDP’s electoral grip on Delta is weakening.
Despite having Okowa as a running mate, Atiku Abubakar lost Delta State to Peter Obi by a wide margin. Oborevwori himself underperformed, losing two out of the state’s three senatorial districts and seeing the APC clinch more House of Assembly seats in Delta Central.
“Oborevwori could not even win his senatorial zone convincingly. His governorship victory was dogged by allegations of rigging. What value does he bring to the APC?” Urhie asked.
He further emphasised that the APC has grown stronger since the last election, welcoming over 60% of former PDP members, including influential figures like Senator Ned Nwoko and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
Rather than entertain desperate defections, Urhie urged the APC to focus on deepening its support base through grassroots mobilisation, reconciliation, and coherent messaging.
“The APC can win Delta without Oborevwori. Accepting him would send the wrong message — that loyalty and ideology can be traded for political convenience,” Urhie concluded.
As the 2027 race draws closer, the APC’s response to these defection speculations will not only shape its future in Delta but also reveal whether it remains a party of principle or one driven by power at all costs.