Damagum shrugs off Delta mass defections

…says 2027 won’t be decided by number of governors

Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliya Damagum, has downplayed the political significance of recent high-profile defections from the party in Delta State, insisting that the outcome of the 2027 general elections will not be determined by the number of governors under a party’s control.

Damagum made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the presentation of a certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming Anambra State election, Ezenwafor Jude.

Reacting to Wednesday’s day’s shock defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor Ifeanyi Okowa, and the state’s entire PDP structure – including local government council chairmen – to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Damagum described the development as “very sad and unfortunate,” particularly given the PDP’s longstanding support for Delta.

“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta,” Damagum said. “We gave them everything – support for the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them.”

He, however, insisted that the party was not caught unprepared, announcing that the PDP would immediately reclaim its structure in the state by setting up a caretaker committee.

Despite the setback, Damagum said the party remained resilient and battle-ready ahead of 2027.

“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he stated.

“The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians.”

He warned that while defections may be secured through coercion or persuasion, the ordinary Nigerian, feeling the brunt of current economic policies, would ultimately decide the outcome.

“Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering. This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves.”

Turning to the Anambra governorship race, Damagum expressed confidence in the PDP’s unity and prospects in the state.

He praised Ezenwafor Jude’s emergence as a testament to internal party democracy and urged stakeholders to consolidate support to ensure victory.

“If God wants to help you, He removes all the thorns. I believe we have one united party in Anambra today,” he said.

“Your commitment, belief, and sincerity will see us through this election.”

Damagum assured the candidate of the national leadership’s full backing, adding that the party remains committed to rebuilding and repositioning itself for national relevance.

 

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Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Ezenwafor Jude expressed confidence that the Anambra State governorship election would deliver a surprise outcome.

 

He said he was fully prepared to win the poll and bring a strong sense of purpose to governance, drawing from his experience as a former Special Adviser on Security.

 

“By the time I become governor, my leadership style and performance will speak for themselves,” Jude said. “Other governors will see what I’m doing and seek me out for consultations.”