The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is taking legal action against Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other stakeholders who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) has instructed its National Legal Adviser to begin the process of reclaiming what it considers the party's stolen mandate in Delta State.

The decision was made after a six-hour closed-door meeting in Abuja, where the party leadership also appointed Emma Ogidi, the South-South Zonal Chairman, to lead reorganization efforts in Delta State. The acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, stated that legal action would be taken to retrieve the mandates taken away by defectors, emphasizing that the party's fortune cannot be left in the hands of adversaries.

The NWC has dissolved all existing party structures in Delta State, as most members have shifted allegiance to the APC. The committee also adopted recommendations from its governors’ forum, fixing May 28 for the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and scheduling the PDP National Convention from August 28 to 30, 2025.

Governor Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and numerous political allies officially joined the APC on April 23, a move described by the APC as a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections. Okowa explained that his defection was due to his belief that the PDP is not prepared for the 2027 elections, suggesting that Atiku Abubakar may also leave the party.

Okowa expressed regret for not supporting a southern candidate in 2023 and stated that the PDP is not ready for alliances or coalitions. He defended his decision by citing the need to align with his political family in Delta State and pointed to internal issues within the PDP, such as court cases and leadership questions.

In response, the Good Governance Group of the PDP criticized Atiku for focusing solely on his presidential ambitions and failing to build consensus within the party. The group also condemned Mohammed Atiku's remarks against Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Bala.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State chapter of the APC has endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing his administration's policies and vision for sustainable growth. The party expressed readiness to support Tinubu, driven by the efficacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The PDP leadership has also declared that it will sanction governors and public officers supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid. Damagum has instructed the Legal Adviser to prepare legal processes against Governor Oborevwori, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in Delta for defecting to the APC.

Damagum stated that Nigerians would show the APC the results of their actions in 2027, highlighting the government's insensitivity to the people's yearnings. He urged PDP supporters to remain calm, emphasizing that Nigerians have rights and will exercise them in the upcoming elections.

The PDP also approved the recommendations of the PDP Governors Forum, including the removal of Senator Samuel Anyanwu as party national secretary and the appointment of Setonji Koshedo as acting secretary. The party plans to hold an elective national convention between August 28 and 30.

The PDP vows to explore legal action to retrieve its mandate from defected officials, emphasizing that the ruling party will face consequences in the 2027 general elections. The party remains firm on its grounds.