A new chapter may be unfolding in Delta State’s political playbook, as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), celebrated the dramatic defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Taking to his X account on Thursday, Keyamo, a prominent APC voice from Delta State, declared the move a watershed moment for the party and its future in the South-South state.

“Today is the day the Lord has made in Delta State. Finally, finally Delta is APC!” he wrote, marking the announcement with a celebratory tone.

According to Keyamo, the realignment of such heavyweight political figures is a direct reflection of the inclusive leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

He credited Tinubu’s political vision and strategic openness for making the APC an appealing destination for once-rival leaders.

“Thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our Party,” he said.

Keyamo also praised Governor Oborevwori, referring to him as a trusted leader and applauding what he described as a bold leap into a new political direction.

“Thank you, my leader & Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision,” the minister added.

The surprise defection has jolted the state’s political establishment and is expected to significantly reshape party dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With both the sitting governor and a former governor now in APC ranks, political analysts predict a reconfiguration of loyalties and a new strategy for control in the region.

ROAMAN NEWS

Nigerian Senate has responded strongly to comments made by Pastor Tunde Bakare, urging the clergyman and former presidential hopeful to avoid targeting the 10th National Assembly as an outlet for political disappointment.

In a formal statement issued Tuesday, Senate spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, criticized Bakare’s recent public remarks, which he described as “sweeping generalisations and disparaging commentary aimed at the institution of the National Assembly.”

Adaramodu acknowledged that civic engagement from all Nigerians, including clergy, is essential.

However, he stressed that the Senate draws the line when feedback morphs into what he called “unwarranted invective and misleading assertions,” which could erode trust in democratic governance.

“Pastor Bakare, a cleric and political voice in his own right, has previously contributed to national discourse in ways that have spurred reflection and debate,” Adaramodu noted.

“However, his most recent statements veer away from constructive criticism into rhetoric, unfortunately laced with contempt and unsubstantiated claims.”

He pointed out Bakare’s own history in Nigeria’s political landscape, citing his past as both a presidential aspirant and vice-presidential candidate.

“We view his corrosive criticisms of the National Assembly as a biased and political ecumenical homily,” Adaramodu stated.

“While he remains a respected cleric, his role as a prominent political figure cannot be discounted when assessing the lens through which his comments are made.”

Highlighting Bakare’s professional background, Adaramodu said, “We also wish to note that Pastor Bakare is not only a cleric and political figure but also one with a legal background.

He is, therefore, well aware of the constitutional boundaries that guide public commentary—particularly on matters that are sub judice.”

He cautioned against misrepresenting the relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government, stressing that effective governance stems from “principled engagements and results-driven processes,” not staged conflicts.

Adaramodu went on to say, “Indeed, there are well-documented instances where the National Assembly has constructively disagreed with the Executive — including on specific provisions of the presidential declaration on the Rivers State state of emergency, which Pastor Bakare referenced.”

He continued, “It’s noteworthy that the Executive has never brought any unconstitutional agenda before the 10th National Assembly, unlike the infamous Third Term agenda, the rejection of which the Pastor used as a benchmark for performance.”

The Senate, he emphasized, is working within its constitutional authority and should not be unfairly targeted based on personal dissatisfaction or speculative political positioning.

“To cast aspersions on the entire institution based on personal frustrations, ideological differences, or as positioning ahead of possible future political alignments, is not only unfair but also counterproductive to our collective democratic journey,” Adaramodu asserted.

The Senate spokesperson also reminded the public that Bakare had once directed similarly harsh critiques at previous assemblies—bodies he now holds in high regard.

“We are confident that, in time, with a nuanced review of the performance of the 10th National Assembly—within the context of the exigencies of this time and season—Pastor Bakare may, at some point in the future, commend us for acting in the best interest of the people of Nigeria, in line with our constitutional mandate.”

Concluding his remarks, Adaramodu affirmed the Senate’s openness to dialogue: “The Senate remains open to engaging with all Nigerians—including Pastor Bakare — in the spirit of constructive engagement. It is through such dialogue, not a diatribe, that we can advance the cause of good governance and national development.”

He urged public figures, especially those with influence in both religious and civic life, to anchor their criticisms in truth and responsibility, saying, “Our democracy, though imperfect, is best nurtured through thoughtful contributions that inspire reform, not resentment.”

ROAMAN NEWS