Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, has downplayed the recent defection of top Delta State PDP figures—including 2023 vice-presidential candidate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori—to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling it “no cause for alarm.”
Speaking in an interview, the former Senate President said while the party will “surely miss” the defectors, their departure will not weaken the PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections. Instead, he described the development as “a blessing in disguise.”
Wabara predicted that the influx of PDP members into the APC would destabilize the ruling party, causing internal conflict as new arrivals clash with long-time APC loyalists.
“The PDP will laugh last,” he said. “There will be an implosion in the APC, and those displaced will return to PDP.”
He noted that political defections are common and attributed the moves to personal ambitions, fear over electoral outcomes, and a desire for political protection.
“Some are defecting for second-term bids, others out of fear that their mandates may not be protected in future elections,” Wabara explained.
He criticized what he described as declining public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system, warning that citizens will resist any manipulation in the 2027 polls. “Nigerians will not allow broad-day robbery again,” he said, referencing past electoral irregularities.
According to Wabara, the real contest in 2027 will not be between political parties but between Nigerians and a ruling class seen as out of touch. He expressed confidence that the electorate, burdened by economic hardship and disillusioned with APC governance, will seek change at the ballot box.
Wabara lamented the death of Ijaw elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark, saying his influence could have prevented the wave of defections in Delta State.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the PDP’s future. “Those who remain will rebuild the party into a dominant force,” he said, urging party members to stay strong and focused on reclaiming power.
He accused President Tinubu of steering Nigeria toward a one-party state, warning that suppressing the opposition would endanger democracy. “This must not be allowed. Democracy must work for all,” he concluded.
Wabara also expressed hope that progressives from other parties would eventually rally with the PDP to “rescue Nigeria” in 2027.
