Hundreds of members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, the major strong of the party in Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, witnessed a significant political shift as hundreds of members defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Orogun is the Delta Central stronghold of the immediate past Deputy Senate President and the 2023 APC Gubernatorial candidate.
The mass defection occurred on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, during the inauguration of the PDP executives for the 15 units in Orogun Ward 1.
Addressing the momomth crowd, national leader of the PDP in Orogun George Oyefia, disclosed that the mass defection from the opposition party is an indication that the state Governor,Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is doing marvelously well.
Oyefia who the Special Advisor to the Delta State Governor on Agriculture said, “Today, I am very happy as the leader of the party to receive decampees and returnees that have chosen to join us and strengthen our party.
‘You can see the massive turnout and enthusiasm. It is evident that our party is a party to celebrate. People have witnessed what the governor is doing and the numerous infrastructural reforms across the state, which is why many are returning to PDP,” Oyefie stated.
Also speaking while receiving the decamped members to the PDP fold, Ughelli North PDP Chairman, Comrade Lucky Ofomukoro, who commended the defection, held that it as a significant boost to the party’s strength in Orogun.
“I am very happy with this turnout, and these are the kinds of developments we want to see in all wards. With this number of people joining us, I am confident that our leaders will integrate them into the party.
“The newly inaugurated executives for the 15 units in Orogun Ward 1 will ensure that everyone is carried along as I urge other ward chairmen to emulate this effort as we prepare for future elections,” Ofomukoro stated.
Some of the defectors who expressed their reasons for leaving the APC, cited unfulfilled promises and a lack of political direction.
Legion Akpobaro, one of the leaders of the decampees, said,“One of the reasons I joined PDP is because the governor has fulfilled his promise to pay retirees, including teachers and that alone gives me confidence in his leadership. I have seen the construction of roads and bridges firsthand.
“Governor Oborevwori is a promise keeper, and that’s why I am here to support him.”
Another defector, Lucky Esiokugbe, shared a similar sentiment, saying, “I was once a full member of the PDP, but I left for APC because I had certain expectations that were not met. However, seeing what this governor is doing, how he is ensuring inclusiveness, I decided to return home to my party. There is light in PDP, and I am happy to be back.”
Chairman of the Inauguration Committee, Pastor Goodluck Unuavwohro, reiterated that the defectors made a wise decision in returning to the PDP.
“The overwhelming support we saw today proves that many of our people were deceived in the last election.
“They have realized that the opposition party did not truly win their hearts and that they were not rewarded as promised and as they have returned home we welcome them with open arms.”
During the event, party leaders and supporters also moved a vote of confidence in Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, citing his achievements within a short period in office.
Moving the confidence vote, George Oyefie said, “You can see what is happening in the state. Within just a year and a few months, Governor Oborevwori has transformed Delta without borrowing a single kobo.
“From Asaba to Patani and other parts of the state, infrastructural development is evident. The movement of tractors, human capital development, and numerous training programs have been initiated. These achievements are enough for every Deltan to celebrate the governor,” Oyefie added.
The vote of confidence was seconded by Hon. Sylvester Ovbije, Commissioner representing Ughelli North, Ethiope East and the Urhobos in Patani at the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
