By Sunday Apah
The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, welcomed more than 2,000 defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other opposition parties in the state.
The defectors, who were mainly members of the Delta Political Actualisation Network (DPAN), were led by Mr. Fejiro Ishaka from Ughelli Urban, alongside Alex Idu and his supporters from Orogun.
They were received during the inauguration of the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency Forum, which took place at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli.
Chief Solomon Arenyeka, the State Chairman of the PDP, expressed enthusiasm about the new members, stating that the party aims to reclaim the Federal Constituency in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Arenyeka encouraged the defectors to work diligently towards the party’s success and praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for the extensive construction projects throughout the state.
Comrade Fejiro Ishaka, the leader of the defectors, emphasized that their decision to join the ruling party was a result of divine inspiration. He noted their admiration for the significant infrastructure and human capital advancements spearheaded by Governor Oborevwori.
Ishaka cited a lack of leadership and direction as reasons for their departure from the APC. “In 2019, we fought valiantly with our candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, without success.
We faced a similar situation in 2023 with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, losing to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This time, we won’t be misled; we have found clarity, and we are determined to ensure victory for all PDP candidates in the Federal Constituency in 2027.”
He also remarked on the disarray within the APC, stating, “The APC lacks direction and focus needed to win elections in Delta State. They are caught up in internal conflicts, while I see a united PDP ready to reclaim its winning path.”
Alex Idu, who had joined the APC near the end of the 2023 General Elections, expressed regret over his departure from the PDP. He urged party members to remain loyal and cohesive to secure a victory for Governor Oborevwori in 2027.
“My experience with the APC has shown me that I made a grave mistake in leaving the PDP. Having returned to my roots in Orogun, I assure you that we will pose no threat to victory come 2027.”
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, encouraged the new members to commit fully to the party’s success in future elections, assuring them of equal opportunities alongside long-standing members.
Onyeme emphasized that the defectors now have the same rights as existing PDP members and called on everyone to collaborate in securing the Ughelli Federal Constituency for the PDP in 2027.
In support of this sentiment, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, urged the defectors to advocate for the PDP.
In a final vote of thanks, former Secretary to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, congratulated the Forum on their successful inauguration and reaffirmed his confidence that the party would triumph in 2027.
