Photo: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Key PDP official in Delta launch campaign for Tinubu re-election
By Ishemienor Uwagor with agency report
Fear gripped the ruling People’s Democratic Party in Delta State and indeed, across the country following a striking statement by Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, suggesting that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock till 2031.
The statement gave momentum to rumour that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whom Erijo said would get a second term, had concluded plans to defect to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Delta and Rivers states are major financiers of the PDP; while the latter is now under emergency rule, the fear of PDP without Delta has raised concerns among leaders of the party across the country.
Erijo, according to a Vanguard Newspaper report, made the comment during the 49th birthday and 27th pastoral anniversary of Archbishop Godday Iboyi of Promise Kingdom Ministry in Sapele. Representing Governor Oborevwori at the event, Erijo declared: “Just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure will end in 2031, so will that of your son, Rt. Hon.. Sheriff Oborevwori.”
The remark has sparked widespread speculation that Governor Oborevwori may be preparing to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), further blurring party lines in Delta’s political landscape.
This development follows closely on the heels of another eyebrow-raising move by PDP chieftain and 2023 Delta South Senatorial candidate Michael Diden (popularly known as Ejele), who recently launched a pro-Tinubu support group named Door to Door for Tinubu.
Although Diden maintains he remains loyal to the PDP, his initiative has intensified speculation about a political realignment within the state’s leadership.
Governor Oborevwori has also made public statements encouraging his supporters to back President Tinubu, saying those who truly support him must, by extension, support the President. Though he has not formally defected, political observers believe his recent statements and associations point toward an eventual crossover to the APC.
The church service, themed “If No Be God”, drew notable political and religious leaders from across the country, including traditional rulers like the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I; the Ovie of Idjerhe, HRM Obukohwo Whiskey; the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, HRM Noble Eshemitan; and former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovwaire.
During his remarks, Erijo praised the celebrant and appeared to allude to divine timing in Delta’s political journey.
“When the PDP was formed in 1999, one of your sons, Prof. Sam Oyovwaire, was seen as a front-runner for Governor. But it pleased God for Delta to wait until now. God knows why we had to wait for an Okpe son to become Governor.”
His comments were echoed by guest speaker and Delta State PFN Chairman, Bishop Dr. Abbos Willie, who preached from Psalm 124 and declared, “This is the time of the Okpe people.” He urged unity and spiritual awareness as the community embraced its season of influence.
Archbishop Iboyi, visibly moved, expressed gratitude to God for 27 years of ministry and 49 years of life.
“God has never forsaken me. Through His grace, I’ve supported over 50 graduates and impacted hundreds more. I pray for strength to continue serving Nigeria and humanity.”
The event featured glowing tributes from dignitaries, including Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. James Augoye, and Prof. Oyovwaire. However, amid the celebration, many noted the undercurrent of political manoeuvring—signalling a potential shift in Delta State’s leadership direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
