Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its “soul” following the recent wave of defections by prominent party figures in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Keyamo made the statement during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday.
On April 23, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and several high-ranking PDP members formally joined the APC. The defection ceremony, held in Asaba, the state capital, was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, and other party leaders who welcomed the new members into the ruling party.
Keyamo described the development as a significant political shift, noting that Delta State has historically played a key role in financing and supporting the PDP. He said the governor’s move to the APC marks a major victory for the ruling party and strengthens its position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The PDP knows that they have lost something like their soul. Delta was like the soul of the PDP. Delta was one of the major funders of the PDP; they have lost it,” he said.
“This is one of the major boosts for the APC ahead of 2027, and even beyond, in terms of the growth and development of the party. So, it’s a major political seismic activity that took place today.”
Read Also: Delta Gov’s aide, Shimite, passes away on Easter Monday
The minister said the defection is also significant for the people of Delta, noting that it would help the state to align with the politics at the centre.
“It’s a win for the people of Delta state first of all and a win for the Nigerian people as a whole,” he said.
“Because it’s always important for a state to align with the politics of the government at the centre. You may say that after politics, then it’s all governance.
“But as human beings, sometimes this division between parties affects governance; so, you have a different party at the state level and another one at the federal level.
“Remember the case of Lagos state when the present president was the governor and you have Obasanjo at the federal level and all the quarrels and court cases back and forth.
“But for my state, Delta state, to be aligned with the centre at this time of major economic transformation going on in the country, it’s a very momentous occasion that took place today.”
The aviation minister also said that President Bola Tinubu’s second term is crucial to complete the reforms he has initiated in governance.
“Every single APC member in Nigeria today should be concentrating on the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu irrespective of whether it affects your personal interest or not because he does need a second term to fully finish up all these reforms,” Keyamo said.
 has lost its "soul" following the recent wave of defections by prominent party figures in Delta State to the All Progressives Congress (APC).){kind=link}