The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has officially declared Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the new leader of the party in the state, following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday.

According to the APC, this move aligns with the party’s established tradition where a sitting governor automatically assumes the position of the party leader in the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party emphasised that Oborevwori’s leadership is not up for debate.

It stated, “We wish to categorically state that with his entry into the APC, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori assumes the position of the leader of the Party in Delta State. This position is not subject to debate or contention.”

The APC also referenced remarks by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima during the defection ceremony, affirming the national leadership’s support for the governor’s new role.

The party described this affirmation as “authoritative, binding and final,” and warned against any internal opposition.

The statement further cautioned that the party would not tolerate actions aimed at undermining Oborevwori’s position, labelling such behavior as “strange, arrogant and reprehensible.”

With his entrance into the APC, Oborevwori displaced a former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was hitherto the party’s leader in the state.

The APC urged all members and stakeholders to rally behind Oborevwori and unite under his leadership.

“Delta APC is solidly behind His Excellency as our leader, and we recognise no other individual in that role,” the party said.

Meanwhile, on another major political development, the PDP in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State has suffered a mass defection, with thousands of members crossing over to the ruling APC.

Okim Sama, widely known as “Cocoa Caterpillar,” led the defectors, citing the dysfunctionality of the PDP and its internal crises as key reasons for their decision to seek refuge in the APC.

Sama stated, “The good works of the current administration, headed by Governor Bassey Otu, and the Chairman of Ikom Local Government Area, Mrs. Mercy Nsor, has played a significant role in our decision to dump the PDP for the APC.”

He emphasised that the decision was driven by the desire to contribute to the development of both the local government and the state at large, adding: “We are determined to contribute our quota in the development of the local government area and the state at large.”

The defectors were warmly received by the Chairman of Ikom LGA, Mrs. Mercy Nsor, who welcomed them on behalf of the state governor and APC leadership.

Nsor assured the new members of equal rights, privileges, and opportunities within the APC, urging them to remain committed to the party’s vision of job creation and improving the lives of the citizens.

She said: “We urge them to remain committed to the affairs of the local government and state to actualise the vision and ideology of the party in job creation and improving the lives of the citizens of the state.” (The PUNCH)