The Rivers State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Magnus Abe, has said that the defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy, and the entire cabinet will boost the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South. Abe, a former Senator for Rivers South-East, said this move shows that Nigeria’s democracy is stronger under the APC government led by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Parry Benson, and sent to newsmen on Saturday, Abe said true democracy allows everyone freedom of association and choice. This freedom, he said, is thriving under Tinubu’s leadership, and that is why more leaders are joining the ruling party.
Tinubu’s Leadership Brings More Resources to States
Abe praised President Tinubu’s administration, saying that states now enjoy more resources because of his leadership.
According to him, “Under President Tinubu, Nigerians have seen a tremendous increase in the resources available to the states, and serious-minded Governors have been able to utilise that advantage to the benefit of their people.”
He added that Oborevwori and his team saw this development and chose to bring Delta State closer to the centre for faster growth. Abe described the decision as “a step in the right direction,” and he commended the governor for taking it.
Abe Urges APC Leaders to Welcome Defectors
Abe reminded Nigerians that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 to pursue his presidential ambition. He said Oborevwori’s move, along with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s, would benefit the people of Delta State and the entire South-South region.
Abe criticised those claiming that Tinubu is creating a one-party system, saying they should “put themselves together instead of playing the victim card.” According to him, it is not Tinubu’s or APC’s responsibility to build opposition against itself.
He called on APC leaders in Delta State, including Senator Omo Agege, Festus Keyamo, and Chief Ayeni, to welcome and work with Oborevwori and his team. Abe said, “the party under Tinubu is large enough to accommodate all Nigerians.”
Bottom Line
Magnus Abe’s statement makes it clear that Oborevwori’s defection is seen as a strong boost for the APC in the South-South. He believes Tinubu’s leadership is making Nigeria’s democracy stronger. Abe urged APC members to embrace the new defectors for the progress of Delta State and the entire region.
