Mass defection: PDP’s fate will be decided by God – Damagum

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) has reacted to the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and its 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the party has decided to leave its “fate in the hands of God and we believe he will help us out of this great situation.”

On Wednesday, Oborevwori, Okowa and all the cabinet members of the Delta State government dumped the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

Speaking on the development at the party headquarters during the presentation of a certificate of return to the party’s governorship candidate in the forthcoming Anambra State election, Ezenwafor Jude, on Thursday, Damagum, however, said the number of governors will not determine which party takes the day in the coming elections.

Specifically reacting to Wednesdays defection in Delta State, which – included local government council chairmen – to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Damagum described the development as “very sad and unfortunate,” particularly given the PDP’s longstanding support for Delta.

“If there’s any state that should not have taken this path, it’s Delta,” Damagum said. “We gave them everything – support for the governor, and even the former governor, who was our vice presidential candidate in 2023. We least expected this action from them.”

He, however, insisted that the party was not caught unprepared, announcing that the PDP would immediately reclaim its structure in the state by setting up a caretaker committee.

Despite the setback, Damagum said the party remained resilient and battle-ready ahead of 2027.

“This is a party that has seen more than this and is still standing. Let me remind us all – Peter Obi had no governor behind him in 2023, but he still garnered millions of votes,” he said.

“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 warned that while defections may be secured through coercion or persuasion, the ordinary Nigerian, feeling the brunt of current economic policies, would ultimately decide the outcome.

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

He went further to say that, “Policies are meant for people, no one else because you make policy and it’s not for the ordinary people.

“We will experience a lot of challenges but there is no challenge that is insurmountable. I thank God we are all people of faith.

“We know there is a limit to whatever one can do other than what God has designed. You may have your own tactics where you cannot outplay God. We leave our faith in the hands of God and we believe He will help us out of this great situation.”

On the situation in Anambra, he praised Ezenwafor Jude’s emergence as a testament to internal party democracy and urged stakeholders to consolidate support to ensure victory.

“If God wants to help you, He removes all the thorns. I believe we have one united party in Anambra today,” he said.

“Your commitment, belief, and sincerity will see us through this election.”

Damagum assured the candidate that the national leadership’s full backing, adding that the party remains committed to rebuilding and repositioning itself for national relevance.

Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Ezenwafor Jude expressed confidence that the Anambra State governorship election would deliver a surprise outcome.

He said he was fully prepared to win the poll and bring a strong sense of purpose to governance, drawing from his experience as a former Special Adviser on Security.

“By the time I become governor, my leadership style and performance will speak for themselves,” Jude said.

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