Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several top political allies are reportedly holding secret talks to rejoin the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), barely three months after defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move, according to sources familiar with the development, is being brokered by Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and influential South-South politician Nyesom Wike.
Oborevwori, who won the 2023 gubernatorial election under the PDP amid legal challenges from the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, shocked many when he defected to the APC in April 2025. His defection was celebrated by APC leaders at the time but was widely criticized by PDP loyalists and grassroots supporters who felt betrayed by the abrupt switch.
Sources indicate that the Governor and other former PDP members who defected with him are now disillusioned with the APC. Insiders claim that unmet expectations, particularly regarding federal appointments and political leverage, are driving their decision to reconsider their allegiance. The negotiations, which remain confidential, are reportedly centered on a strategic return to the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior PDP figure, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing discussions. “Sheriff has realized the grass isn’t greener on the other side. He moved to APC expecting influence at the federal level, but that hasn’t materialized. The pressure from his base and rising insecurity in the state is pushing him to consider returning,” the source said.
Several aides, commissioners, and political associates who defected alongside the governor are also reportedly exploring ways to return to the PDP fold. According to sources, the initiative is being managed through emissaries closely aligned with Minister Wike, with the aim of rebuilding the party’s dominance in Delta State and reclaiming the internal party structure that was partially disrupted by the defections.
However, the reported plan to return is already stirring political controversy. A youth leader in the APC from Delta South strongly condemned the development. “This is a disgrace. They came, destabilized our structure, and now want to crawl back because they didn’t get what they wanted. The APC should shut the door firmly behind them,” he said.
Within the PDP, reactions to the possible re-entry of Oborevwori and his allies are divided. While some party stakeholders welcome the idea of consolidating forces ahead of the 2027 elections, others are wary that his return could deepen existing divisions and reignite past conflicts. There are also concerns that allowing such a return might undermine internal party discipline and erode the credibility of the PDP’s leadership structure in Delta.
Political observers warn that a comeback by the governor could significantly alter the balance of power in the state. If he brings along a substantial number of supporters and control over local political structures, it could bolster the PDP’s prospects in upcoming elections. However, it may also trigger disputes over candidacies, zoning arrangements, and party loyalty.
Nyesom Wike’s role in the unfolding negotiations is considered crucial. Though currently serving in a federal capacity under the APC-led administration, Wike retains significant influence within the PDP, particularly in the South-South region. He has been known to play behind-the-scenes roles in major political realignments and is reportedly planning a high-level reconciliation meeting in the coming days to resolve tensions and strategize for 2027.
For now, the Governor has made no public statement confirming or denying the talks. But political insiders note that recent developments, including his lack of presence at some APC events and growing silence on federal matters, indicate a shift in his political posture.
Observers believe that how the PDP leadership handles the proposed return will be critical in determining the party’s cohesion and electoral strength in Delta State moving forward. If accepted, Oborevwori’s reintegration into the PDP could reinforce the party’s dominance in the state, but mishandling it could lead to internal fragmentation or a power tussle that weakens the party ahead of key electoral contests.
As tension continues to mount over the unfolding situation, all eyes are now on Wike and the next moves from both the APC and PDP leadership in Delta State. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive for the political future of Oborevwori and for the broader realignment of forces ahead of the 2027 elections.
