Some former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State who recently aligned with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have stirred grassroots tension by attempting to register with the APC without formally resigning from the PDP.
According to Vanguard, the APC’s ongoing membership registration exercise in Delta started off shaky, as some ward leaders refused to register the defectors without written proof of PDP resignation, causing confusion and slowing the process.
In response, PDP members who remained loyal convened across wards and local governments, pledging to rebuild the party. The friction prompted APC State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie to direct all ward and local leaders to register the defectors without requiring resignation letters.
PDP South-South Zonal Caretaker Chairman, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, told Vanguard that a new state caretaker committee would be set up within a month, and many loyal PDP members had expressed a commitment to stay.
Despite the high-profile defections, including that of the current and former governors, many former PDP members have reportedly hesitated to fully integrate into the APC due to longstanding mistrust. One source said, “Old members don’t trust the new ones, and the new ones are just observing.”
APC State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo issued a directive for a smoother registration process, instructing grassroots leaders to eliminate any bureaucratic barriers. However, APC Ughelli North Chairman Obakpororo Onoabedje admitted that the process remained slow and disorganized, noting skepticism among the defectors.
Governor Oborevwori, while formally declaring the defection last week in Asaba, called it “a movement” and said it followed consultations across all political levels in the state. He emphasized aligning with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, saying, “We’ve been in opposition for almost 10 years. Mr. President has shown us love, and we must reciprocate.”
Meanwhile, the PDP has vowed to challenge the mass defection in court. Although no suit has been filed yet, a PDP National Working Committee (NWC) member said the party’s legal adviser is preparing to seek court declarations to vacate the defectors’ seats, citing constitutional provisions. The delay was attributed to public holidays and lack of meetings last week.