The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its enthusiasm following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party. According to Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, the party welcomes Governor Oborevwori's decision, along with other PDP leaders and members, assuring them of full cooperation within the APC.

The APC's statement, released via the party’s X handle on April 23, 2025, highlighted promises of accommodation and support for the incoming leaders and members of the Delta PDP. The party believes this move positions Delta State to contribute significantly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and the overall prosperity of Nigerians.

The defection also included Ifeanyi Okowa, the former PDP vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election, along with commissioners and key stakeholders from the opposition party in Delta State. This development follows Senator Abdulrahman Kawu Sumaila's return to the APC from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), citing the welfare of his constituency as the reason. Additionally, reports suggest that Labour Party Senator Neda Imasuen is also preparing to join the APC.

In response to these defections, Felix Morka addressed allegations that the APC was coercing individuals to join, asserting that the moves were voluntary. Speaking on Arise News, Morka stated that the PDP is facing internal issues, leading to the departures. He refuted claims that politicians were being intimidated into joining the APC, particularly regarding Governor Oborevwori's defection, emphasizing Delta's resources and the governor's capacity to make independent decisions.

Morka criticized Atiku Abubakar for focusing on a coalition agenda rather than addressing the problems within the PDP. He argued that individuals leaving the PDP are doing so because the party has failed to offer them any viable prospects.

Dele Momodu, a PDP chieftain, presented a contrasting view, suggesting that defections were driven by coercion and harassment from the APC. Speaking on Channels Television, Momodu claimed that politicians were switching allegiance out of fear rather than genuine loyalty or belief in Tinubu’s leadership. He alleged that the APC was using tactics such as threats and the potential for targeted attacks to pressure opposition figures.

Momodu also warned President Tinubu against trusting defecting politicians, suggesting their motives were rooted in political survival rather than allegiance. He accused the APC of using anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to intimidate opposition leaders into defecting.

Despite these accusations, figures within the APC, such as Festus Keyamo and Bashir Ahmad, have expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s leadership and welcomed the defections from the PDP. Keyamo specifically acknowledged Tinubu's leadership following the announcement of Governor Oborevwori's defection.

Before defecting, Ifeanyi Okowa assured his supporters that his decision would be in their best interest, indicating a strategic move aimed at benefiting his constituents.

Momodu accused the Tinubu administration of moving towards authoritarianism, cautioning against a “democratic dictatorship.” He called on Tinubu to remember his pro-democracy legacy from the military era and allow democracy to flourish in Nigeria.