“This Is One of The Most Painful Decisions Taken By Any Governor in Nigerian History” — PDP’s Ibrahim Abdullahi Reacts to Oborevwori’s Defection

The recent defection of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has drawn sharp criticism from PDP leaders, with many calling it a betrayal of the party’s values.

Speaking during an interview with Arise News, the PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, expressed deep disappointment over the governor’s move, describing it as “one of the most painful decisions taken by any governor in Nigeria’s history.” He questioned the rationale behind Oborevwori’s departure, especially considering Delta State’s relatively stable and prosperous status under PDP leadership.

“The defection is not surprising when you have people that are spineless and devoid of character,” Abdullahi stated bluntly. “You live in a strong state. We were proud of it, and we don’t believe your state has a significant enough issue to justify this decision.”

He didn’t stop at criticizing the current governor but also revisited the contentious selection of the party’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate. Abdullahi reiterated his long-standing view that Ifeanyi Okowa, also from Delta, was the wrong choice as Atiku Abubakar’s running mate.

“Some of us argued that Okowa wasn’t the best candidate to be anointed by Atiku Abubakar, and I continue to stand by that position today,” he said.

He further explained that during the PDP’s internal screening, Governor Nyesom Wike had been the top recommendation for the vice-presidential slot.

“I came here and I spoke in different fora, arguing that Okowa was the wrong choice PDP made. Wike was even recommended by the committee that was formed. Of the 18 of them, 14 chose Wike,” Abdullahi revealed. “If you’re talking about a gentleman with manners and performance, the second person would have been Udom Emmanuel. Wike would stand out when discussing competence, brand, and capacity.”

Abdullahi’s comments underscore growing frustration within the PDP over recent high-profile defections, as well as lingering divisions over past leadership decisions.