Defection: We Leave Our Fate in God’s Hands – PDP National Chairman Damagum

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has reacted to the recent defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as disappointing but not devastating.

Speaking on Thursday at the PDP national headquarters during the presentation of a certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate for the upcoming Anambra election, Damagum expressed deep regret over the development. He noted that Delta State had been a loyal PDP stronghold since 1999 and had benefited immensely from the party’s support, including in the elevation of Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta,” he said. “We gave them everything, supported both the current governor and the former governor, and we least expected this action from them.”

Despite the setback, Damagum insisted that the PDP remains strong and forward-looking. He referenced the performance of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in the 2023 election as proof that electoral strength does not solely depend on endorsements from political officeholders.

“Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he said. “This shows that the will of the people can prevail, regardless of political structures.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Damagum asserted that the election would not be defined by the number of governors aligned with a party, but by the reality of life under the current administration. “The 2027 election is not about how many governors or so-called leaders a party has. It’s about President Tinubu and the condition of Nigerians. This election will be APC versus Nigerians.”

He cautioned against overestimating the impact of high-level defections, arguing that while political shifts may be influenced by pressure or incentives, it is the suffering public that will have the final say at the ballot box.

“Policies are not made for governors or senators. They are made for the people – and today, the people are suffering,” he stated. “This hardship is not a coincidence; it’s a design. Nigerians will rise to rescue themselves.”

Concluding his remarks, Damagum urged party members to remain steadfast and faithful, emphasizing that their collective future rests in higher hands.

“We will experience challenges, but there is no challenge that is insurmountable,” he said. “We leave our fate in God’s hands, and we believe He will help us out of this great situation.”