Nigeria, April 29 -- In the combustible terrain of Nigerian politics, especially at the sub-national level, defection is more than just a political maneuver, it is a weapon. It is a signal, a message, a realignment, and at times, a declaration of war. The recent defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has all the trappings of a calculated political chess move that throws up urgent questions about the future of one of Delta State's most visible politicians: Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

Omo-Agege, a key player in Delta's power circle and former Deputy Senate President, has had his eyes on the governorship seat for years. Despite losing to Oborevwori in the fiercely ...