From: Akpovoke Otiti

In the evolving political landscape of Delta State, Professor Patrick Muoboghare has made it unequivocally clear that his loyalty remains firmly with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In an extensive interview with Aljavirialpress in Asaba recently, he reaffirmed his position.

In the face of rising defections and mounting political intrigues, he stands gidigba with like-minded party faithful, determined to reshape and reposition the PDP for the battles ahead. His voice echoes resilience, cautioning those hastily abandoning the party of their roots.

Prof. Muoboghare expressed deep concerns over what he described as an unusual and unsettling wave of defections from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State. He opined that this movement is not a mere case of defection but a full blown political tsunami, with the potential to destabilize both parties. The professor fears that the APC may lack the structural discipline and political wisdom to manage the diverse characters flooding its ranks.

Reflecting on Delta’s political history, Muoboghare recalled that prior to these defections, a staggering 80% of PDP members had once identified as APC loyalists. One would ordinarily conclude they are simply returning to familiar ground, yet the motives of these defectors suggest something deeper and more sinister. He questioned the rationale behind leaving a majority party to swell the ranks of a minority one within the state’s political arithmetic.

“It begs the question,” he stated, “why seek to dominate another party when you already hold firm control of your own? There’s an indecency, a calculated agenda in these mass defections from the PDP to the APC in Delta State, an agenda cloaked in ambition and subterfuge.”

Prof. Muoboghare situated this political strategy within the broader national context, observing President Bola Tinubu’s long-studied tactics as a disciple of regional power-brokers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello. According to him, these men, despite their nationalist posturing, primarily advanced ethnic and regional interests, securing their respective peace zones while preaching unity. The professor contended that Tinubu has merely adopted and refined this strategy for contemporary politics.

He argued that President Tinubu has identified a consistent pattern of Northern unity in national politics and now seeks to replicate a similar hold over the Western region and other strategic states. “It’s a masterstroke,” Muoboghare admitted, “a calculated bid to secure absolute control in select regions before squaring up with the North in national negotiations.”

In Delta State, the professor revealed that prior to this orchestrated defection wave, 90% of PDP members had already pledged support for Tinubu. Governor Oborevwori appeared poised for a smooth re-election bid come 2027, until what Muoboghare described as a conspiracy began to unfold. “Why would a majority party chase after a minority one?” he asked pointedly. “It defies both logic and political sense.”

He lamented that while traditional rulers and various influential groups in Delta State have consistently expressed confidence in Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, some self-styled political heavyweights within the APC have been positioning themselves for the governorship without solid grassroots mobilization. Notably, one such figure has failed to convene any critical stakeholder meetings even amid these defections, signalling a loss of grip on the unfolding events.

Professor Muoboghare reserved high praise for Chief Chiedu Ebie, the current NDDC chairman, describing him as a silent but formidable mobilizer within the APC. He credited Ebie’s rising influence as a key factor unsettling Delta’s political players, asserting that many defectors are inadvertently running into the APC’s camp out of fear or admiration for Ebie’s growing clout.

Well, in conclusion Prof. Muoboghare reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, declaring that he would not be part of a movement he neither understands nor was consulted about. “At this stage in my life, I owe it to my convictions to stand tall where I belong,” he declared. “Alongside others who remain steadfast, we will reshape our party and steer it towards a stronger, brighter future.”