Oborevwori Joined APC To Accelerate Delta’s Development, Strengthen Federal Ties – Solomon
Oborevwori’s Defection Linked to Development Strategy
SENIOR Policy Adviser to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, has defended Governor Oborevwori’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as a strategic decision aimed at accelerating development and strengthening Delta State’s relationship with the Federal Government.
Speaking during TVC’s Beyond The Headlines programme themed Road to 2027: Politics, Power and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Solomon said the governor’s political realignment followed a careful assessment of the national political environment and the opportunities available through closer collaboration with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the decision was motivated primarily by governance considerations rather than partisan interests, with the objective of positioning Delta State to benefit more effectively from federal programmes and interventions.
Federal Alignment Seen as Development Advantage
Solomon argued that President Tinubu’s administration has created a more favourable environment for state governments through increased financial autonomy and support for subnational development.
He noted that although Delta is one of Nigeria’s leading oil-producing states, it had remained outside the ruling party at the federal level for nearly a decade, a situation he said limited opportunities for stronger collaboration with the centre.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori had already recorded significant progress through his M.O.R.E Agenda before joining the APC, but alignment with the Federal Government would provide additional opportunities to attract infrastructure projects, investments and developmental interventions to the state.
He maintained that the governor’s objective was to deepen ongoing development efforts rather than alter his administration’s governing philosophy.
Internal PDP Challenges Also Influenced Decision
Beyond developmental considerations, Solomon said internal challenges within the PDP also contributed to the governor’s decision to change political parties.
He argued that the internal instability confronting the opposition party had raised concerns about its long-term viability as a platform for governance and political continuity.
According to him, the APC now offers a more stable political environment capable of supporting the governor’s development agenda and ensuring continuity in governance.
New Entrants Have Strengthened APC, Solomon Says
Responding to criticisms from some long-standing APC members regarding the influx of former PDP leaders into the party, Solomon dismissed suggestions that the merger had weakened the ruling party in Delta State.
Instead, he described the movement of Governor Oborevwori and his political associates as a major boost to the APC’s organisational strength.
He noted that the governor joined the party alongside commissioners, elected officials, political office holders and extensive grassroots structures built over several election cycles.
According to him, political parties naturally benefit from the addition of experienced political structures capable of expanding electoral support.
Comments on Primary Elections and Party Unity
Speaking on the recent APC primary elections, Solomon rejected claims that Governor Oborevwori’s entry into the APC was responsible for Senator Ned Nwoko’s defeat.
He argued that electoral outcomes are largely determined by grassroots political realities and the relationship candidates maintain with party members and constituents.
Drawing comparisons between former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ned Nwoko, Solomon described Okowa as an experienced political leader whose years of service as commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, senator and governor have earned him broad grassroots acceptance across Delta State.
He further maintained that despite decisions by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and former Speaker Victor Ochei to contest under another political platform, the APC in Delta remains united and politically stronger under Governor Oborevwori’s leadership.
Infrastructure Performance and 2027 Outlook
Highlighting achievements of the Oborevwori administration, Solomon cited ongoing infrastructure projects across the state’s 25 local government areas as evidence of the governor’s commitment to development.
He pointed to major road and flyover projects in Warri and surrounding communities, the engagement of Julius Berger on strategic infrastructure, completion of the Ughelli–Asaba Expressway and the continuation of inherited projects as examples of the administration’s performance.
According to him, the governor’s emphasis on continuity, infrastructure renewal and inclusive governance has strengthened public confidence and positioned the APC favourably ahead of the 2027 elections.
