Senator Ned Nwoko has declared that Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is not welcome in the All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that the party will defeat the governor and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Agbor during the defection of Delta Unity Group (DUG) members from PDP to APC, Nwoko said: “Oborevwori wants to come to APC, but tell him to stay where he is. He will be defeated. We don’t want him in APC.”

The event, seen as a significant realignment in Delta politics, was attended by APC leaders including National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.

While Oborevwori’s media team has repeatedly dismissed rumours of a planned defection, Nwoko and Omo-Agege insisted the APC would not admit the governor or his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa. Omo-Agege said over 60% of PDP members had already joined APC since 2023, strengthening the party’s chances in 2027.

Nwoko added that 25 years of PDP’s governance in Delta must end, stressing that the next governor would emerge from APC. He also reiterated support for the creation of Anioma State, accusing PDP of stalling the proposal.

Analysts say accepting Oborevwori into APC could spark backlash from voters eager for change, warning it might damage the party’s chances in 2027. The DUG defection is viewed as a boost for APC’s rising influence in the state. (Daily Trust)