Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed his sorrow and disappointment over the mass defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other elected officials and party leaders in Delta to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagum made these comments in Abuja during a ceremony where Mr. Jude Ezenwafor received his Certificate of Return as the PDP’s governorship candidate for the Anambra election.
He noted that the defection was particularly disheartening given the significant support the PDP has provided to Delta in past elections.
“It is very sad and unfortunate because, in my view, if any state should have a different perspective, it should not be Delta, as the party has been very generous,” he stated.
“It’s a decision made by them, but the consequences will be felt by us—not due to any fault of ours, but because we have consistently supported Delta, from the time of the current governor to his predecessor, who also served as our vice presidential candidate.
“We did not anticipate this action from them. Nevertheless, this is a party that has faced greater challenges and continues to stand strong,” he stated.
Damagum mentioned that the party leadership is currently assessing the situation to establish a caretaker committee for the state.
“I want to take this opportunity to announce that we will immediately reclaim our structures,” he said.
He emphasized that the 2027 election will not focus on the number of governors a party has but rather on the needs of Nigerians.
Damagum called on all party members to unite and work towards rescuing Nigeria, asserting that no challenge is insurmountable.
He also congratulated Ezenwafor for being selected as the party’s candidate in Anambra and expressed confidence in achieving victory in the upcoming election.