By Abdulrahman Kura
June 15, 2025
ASABA — Comrade Gbenga Fajoye, Chairman of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) in Delta State, has dismissed concerns raised by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) over Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as disconnected from the evolving political landscape in the state.
Responding to criticism from PDP leaders such as former National Secretary Ibrahim Tauri and ex-Deputy National Publicity Secretary Diran Odeyemi, Fajoye said the governor’s move to the APC was rooted in a strategic commitment to governance, not political ambition.
“The youth of Delta State can clearly see the impact of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership. From road infrastructure to employment initiatives and grassroots empowerment, he has proven to be a visionary leader focused on development rather than party lines,” Fajoye stated during a press briefing in Asaba on Saturday.
He commended the governor’s decision as a bold and timely move, pledging that UYAN and other grassroots coalitions across the 25 local government areas of Delta State would mobilize in his support ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Those expecting electoral punishment are misreading the moment. Delta’s youth — the unemployed, the artisans, the students — recognize effective leadership when they see it. We are already preparing to defend our future with our votes,” he declared.
Challenging claims that the PDP remains firmly in control of Delta, Fajoye emphasized that political loyalty is shifting across the country, especially among younger voters who increasingly value performance over party affiliation.
“Politicians in Abuja making sweeping judgments about Delta need to visit the streets and speak with real people. This is not 1999. Young voters are no longer bound by blind party loyalty. We are loyal to our future, not political tradition,” he said.
He also accused members of the PDP NEC of exhibiting “elitist arrogance” by attempting to shame governors who prioritize governance over party loyalty.
“No one should hold an entire state hostage because of personal political interests. Governor Oborevwori has every right to pursue what he believes is best for Delta. And we, the youth, are prepared to back him — not just with words, but with action,” Fajoye added.
Fajoye called on the APC leadership to fully embrace Oborevwori’s grassroots network as a strategic asset, warning that any attempt to downplay the strength of youth mobilization would be a serious miscalculation.
“The 2027 elections will not be won through slogans or party colors. They’ll be won based on tangible results. Oborevwori will be judged not by the logo on his posters, but by the roads, bridges, and opportunities he’s delivered,” he concluded.
Governor Oborevwori’s defection on April 24, followed by that of Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno on June 6, has stirred significant debate across Nigeria’s political space. While the PDP has threatened electoral consequences for the defectors, growing support among youth and grassroots groups may reshape the dynamics ahead of 2027.
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