The Presidency has criticized former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This shift is seen as a significant blow to Atiku, who had Okowa as his running mate in the 2023 Presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, took to his official X account to highlight the collapse of Atiku’s coalition efforts, stating, “Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El-Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated.”

The mass defection, announced in Asaba, was confirmed by Senator James Manager after a lengthy meeting. Manager stated that all PDP members in the state, including the governor and key party leaders, have decided to join the APC, asserting, “We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”

Delta State Commissioner for Information, Aniagwu Charles, elaborated on the motivations behind the defection, emphasizing the need to enhance development, security, and welfare for the people of Delta. He noted, “There is a need for us to adjust our drinking patterns,” indicating that this political shift is essential for the state’s progress.