The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, and 21 other lawmakers formerly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, which took place during Tuesday’s plenary session, marks a major political realignment in the state, effectively turning the Assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were already part of the APC.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that this mass defection follows a broader shift in Delta State’s political dynamics, which began with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s recent switch to the APC. The lawmakers cited instability within the PDP at both the national level and the South-South zonal leadership as key factors in their decision to leave the party.
Announcing the defection, Speaker Guwor said the move came after wide-ranging consultations with constituents and political stakeholders. He emphasized that the decision aligns with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits lawmakers to change party affiliation under certain conditions.
“The mass defection led by Governor Oborevwori is in the overall interest of the people of Delta State,” Guwor said. “We are committed to partnering with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring development to our state.”
He added that the lawmakers’ decision was formally sealed following a series of consultations on April 23 and their official reception into the APC on April 28 at the Government House and the Cenotaph.
In total, the Speaker confirmed receiving 22 letters—including his own—informing the Assembly of their party switch.
Commending Governor Oborevwori for his “visionary leadership,” Guwor assured constituents of the Assembly’s full support for the new political direction and urged members to continue working diligently on all pending legislative matters as the second session draws to a close.
Following the announcement, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi moved a motion for the adoption of the letters of defection. The motion was unanimously supported and seconded by Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II).
Speaking with journalists after the plenary, Nwaobi reiterated that the defection was a direct result of ongoing internal strife within the PDP. “Given the instability and factionalism within the party, especially in the South-South, we decided to align with the ruling APC as permitted by law,” he said.