The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 elections as over 2,000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties formally joined its ranks.
The mass defection took place on Saturday during the inauguration of the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency Forum at Oharisi Primary School, Ughelli.
Among the new members were the Delta Political Actualisation Network (DPAN), led by Comrade Fejiro Ishaka in Ughelli urban, and a political group from Orogun, led by Alex Idu.
Welcoming the defectors, Delta State PDP Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the Federal Constituency in the upcoming elections.
He urged the new members to work towards the party’s victory while commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his extensive infrastructural projects across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ishaka described their decision to join the ruling party as “divinely orchestrated,” citing PDP’s leadership strength and developmental strides as key factors. He criticized the APC for lacking direction and unity, recalling past electoral defeats in the state.
“In 2019, we fought gallantly with our then candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, but to no avail. We did the same in 2023 with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, yet lost to Governor Oborevwori. In 2027, we will not be deceived again. We have seen the light and will ensure victory for all PDP candidates in our Federal Constituency,” Ishaka said.
Similarly, Alex Idu, who had joined the APC before the 2023 elections, admitted regretting his decision. “Leaving PDP in 2023 was a big mistake. I have seen that there is nothing in APC. Now that we are back, there will be no threat to PDP’s victory in Orogun come 2027,” he assured.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, welcomed the new members, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party. He urged them to work towards PDP’s success in future elections.
Echoing the same sentiment, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, encouraged the defectors to spread PDP’s message across the constituency.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Festus Agas, in his vote of thanks, congratulated the forum members on their successful inauguration, expressing optimism about PDP’s prospects in the 2027 elections.