By Austin Ogwuda
The leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has come to the defence of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who was accused of allegedly perfecting plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress APC to ensure that his second term ticket in 2027 is guaranteed.
A group which styled itself ‘CONCERNED LEADERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)’ had, few days ago, addressed an Open Letter to the governor challenging him to dispute the alleged claim that he had been romancing with President Bola Tinubu’s henchmen with regard to the defection plan in the offing.
The allegation was contained in the Open Letter jointly signed by THEOPHILUS EKIYOR, OCHUKO OGHENEKOME and EZEKIEL CHUKWUDI.
The letter reads in part:
“We, the CONCERNED LEADERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)
in Delta State, are compelled to address you (Governor) in this open letter regarding the very disturbing rumours of your alleged plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), to secure your governorship seat ahead of 2027 general elections.
“The rumour mills are agog with stories of your intention of cross-carpeting to the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“That you have been secretly romancing top aides to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Top presidential aide and allies of the President, mentioned as your point men for your new venture”, the letter further stated “include; the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Femi Gbajabiamila and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who are now working to facilitate a meeting between you and President Tinubu on this self-seeking agenda.
“Your ultimate goal, as pointed out by those close to you, is to obtain approval to join the APC”.
But in its reaction, Delta State PDP in a press statement signed by the State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka which was made available to The Townhall on Monday evening debunked the allegation in its entirety.
The statement reads:
*The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Delta state chapter has been drawn to mischievous, sinister and baseless speculations especially in the Social Media that the Governor of Delta State and our political leader, His Excellency, Rt.Hon.Sheriff Oborevwori has perfected plans to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The State leadership of the PDP viewed such unfounded reports as the handiwork of jobless political hirelings and their ignoble sponsors as failed agents of destabilization and treachery.
We particularly state in clear terms that the faceless group of individuals spreading the rumours and parading themselves as concerned leaders of the PDP are impostors and are not members of our great Party.
We strongly condemn in all vehemence the vile and wicked propaganda of the depraved perpetrators, particularly the key peddler, a notorious serial blackmailer and dishonest scoundrel who would live in infamy for concocting lies as a means of survival.
The state leadership of the PDP urges members of the public to disregard the dubious speculation and also wishes to reassure all that nothing can distract the Governor in keeping faith with the delivery of good governance through his laudable M.O.R.E agenda as exemplified by massive provision of social infrastructure and human capital development across the state.
Long live PDP
Long live Delta State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Chief Solomon Arenyeka, JP
Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
Delta State
