Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reacted to the defection of former Delta State Governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the current Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike commended both Delta politicians for openly pledging their allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. According to the FCT Minister, this move further reaffirms his earlier position regarding the leadership capacity of President Tinubu and his ability to unify the nation.
As widely reported, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his deputy and state commissioners, officially switched to the APC on Wednesday, April 23, joining Dr. Okowa. A video of the governor being welcomed with the familiar political anthem On Your Mandate, dedicated to President Tinubu, has since gone viral across social media platforms.
Notable reactions have followed the defections, including those from Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and other political figures.
Wike Applauds Delta Leaders’ Decision
In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike praised both Okowa and Oborevwori.
“It is another endorsement of the president’s good governance and commitment to the development of the country,” the statement read.
The FCT Minister went on to encourage other Nigerians who have yet to declare their support to align with the current administration. As quoted by The Punch, Wike pointed out that the decision made by Dr. Okowa — who was once Atiku Abubakar’s running mate in the last presidential election — serves as “a vindication of the position I took in 2023, which was based on the interest of a united Nigeria.”
Expressing his satisfaction, Wike added, “I commend Dr Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this heart-warming decision, which must have been informed by good governance and commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the oneness and development of Nigeria.”
He continued, “I am particularly happy that what I saw before the 2023 presidential election, others are now seeing and are joining the Renewed Hope train.”
This political development comes shortly after Wike openly criticised Atiku Abubakar for allegedly reneging on a significant agreement made in 2019. The FCT Minister has also previously defended his support for President Tinubu in the 2023 presidential polls, referencing Atiku’s failure to fulfil promises made to him.
During an interview session with a group of journalists in Abuja, Wike revisited his strained political history with Atiku, recalling unmet assurances in the buildup to the last general elections.
