ABUJA — Emerging reports from the Presidential Villa suggest that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has willed his influence into the ongoing political friction in Delta State.
During a recent Ramadan fast-breaking event (Iftar) hosted for state governors, the President reportedly tasked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori with reconciling warring factions within the state.
A Stern Directive at the Villa
Witnesses at the gathering claim that as the President was preparing to depart after the meal, he pointedly addressed the Delta State Governor regarding the internal strife following recent ward and local government congresses.
”Sheriff, I hear you are causing trouble in Delta,” the President reportedly stated. “Why are you fighting Ibori’s daughter? Don’t you know Ibori is my friend? Go back to Delta and fix it up.”
The President emphasized his long-standing relationship with former Governor James Ibori, making it clear that the political marginalization of Ibori’s camp—specifically involving his daughter—is a matter of personal concern to the Presidency.
Recall that the “leadership tussle” in Delta State has reached a boiling point following a series of parallel congresses
This platform gathered that Veterans of the original Delta APC structures are reportedly resisting attempts by the current administration to shut them out of party leadership.
Remember that allegations of political attacks on Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (Ibori’s daughter) have become a flashpoint for those loyal to the former governor’s political dynasty.
While the Governor was invited to the Villa under the auspices of a state function, the President’s direct intervention signals that the “Delta Crisis” is no longer a local affair.
The presidency appears wary of how these internal divisions might destabilize the political landscape ahead of future cycles
Insiders suggest that if the Governor fails to integrate the “Old Guard” and the Ibori faction back into the fold, the rift within the Delta political class may widen beyond repair which may affect the propensity for the progress of the party
