Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed confidence that former Governor James Ibori will defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Oborevwori spoke on Tuesday during a vigil mass at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area. 

The mass was held in honour of Amos Utuama, a former Deputy Governor, who died at 77.

Speaking at the event, Oborevwori emphasised the need for political unity within the state, saying the political family founded by Ibori had become scattered.

“We can only say the truth. If you are sentimental, the family will break, the centre cannot hold,” he said.

He revealed that he had directly asked Ibori when he plans to join the APC, expressing optimism that the former Governor would soon make the move.

“I asked him, ‘when are you going to join us?’ And I know he will join us very soon in the APC. I will receive our leader in Jesus’ name,” Oborevwori said.

Addressing Ibori directly, the Governor added, “You have created a big family and the family needs to be united.”

In December 2024, Ibori’s daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, a member of the House of Representatives, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Oborevwori, with other PDP heavyweights in Delta, joined the APC on April 23.