Why James Ibori Is Attracting Renewed Interest

Insiders say former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori, is attracting massive interest from high-level politicians.

The man whose shadow still looms large over Delta State politics long after he left office is being linked to the recent political development that has left many reeling.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has left the long-standing political party in charge of the state, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), for the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC currently controls the Federal Government.

The move, which was announced on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, by Senator James Manager, is expected to open a floodgate of defections by other elected and appointed office holders in Delta State from the PDP to the APC.

Those in the know insist that the unraveling scenario in Delta State bears the imprint of someone with decades of calculated networking, loyalty-building, and strategic alliances — including with President Tinubu.

“And it is only Ibori that fits that bill. Nobody comes close,” insiders say.

Ibori, who is known for building enduring political structures and aligning with powerful figures, was the Governor of Delta State from May 1999 to May 2007.

He reportedly forged a quiet but strategic alliance with President Tinubu, who was the Governor of Lagos State during the same period. They were both founding members of the Governors’ Forum.

Their rapport has stood the test of time behind the scenes and has flourished to the point where today, Ibori is seen as one of the few southern political leaders who can access President Tinubu’s inner circle, sources disclosed.

Further revelations suggest that since Tinubu’s emergence as President, Ibori has made several quiet visits to Aso Rock — moves interpreted as part of a strategic alignment positioning him nationally ahead of 2027.

“Oborevwori’s joining the APC, along with other PDP chieftains, is seen as the result of the longstanding rapport between Tinubu and Ibori,” according to informants.

Tinubu is seeking a second term in office in 2027 and is up against familiar foes — Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Oborevwori and the PDP structure joining the APC further strengthens Tinubu’s chances of retaining his position in 2027, especially when combined with other efforts.

This is particularly significant because the development is backed by Ibori’s reputation as a leader who “looks out for his people” and commands strong loyalty from traditional rulers, youth groups, and grassroots mobilizers in the region.

According to those in the know, Ibori’s political fingerprints are on almost every major political transition in Delta since 1999.

He is credited with engineering his cousin Emmanuel Uduaghan’s emergence as governor in 2007 and backed Ifeanyi Okowa to succeed him in 2015 — even though their relationship later soured.

Incumbent Governor Oborevwori, who rose to prominence as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, is also believed to have benefited from Ibori’s early support.
Although former Governor Okowa formally backed Oborevwori during the PDP primaries in 2022, many believe Ibori’s subtle approval helped unify factions within the party to give Oborevwori the win.

“So, he has always had his grip on the politics of Delta State, shaping things — and the latest development is believed to be no exception,” sources say.