Earthshaking Defection Rocks Delta Politics

Asaba, Delta State — In a shocking political upheaval that has upended party dynamics in Delta State, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emeka Nwokocha, alongside the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Bridget Anyaegbu, and 20 other lawmakers, have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The announcement, made during Tuesday’s plenary session, was met with gasps of disbelief from the public gallery and immediate reactions from across the political divide. With this defection, the APC now holds a commanding 22-seat majority in the 29-member Assembly, effectively seizing control from the PDP for the first time in over two decades.

Reading a letter of defection on behalf of the 22 lawmakers, Speaker Nwokocha cited “a collapse of internal democracy, persistent marginalization of key stakeholders, and the party’s failure to align with the people’s yearnings” as core reasons behind the move.
“This decision was borne out of deep consultations and the demand for progressive governance. We are committed to charting a new path with the APC that reflects the hopes of our constituents,” he declared.
PDP Stunned, Vows To Challenge Move
The state chapter of the PDP has described the mass defection as a “betrayal of trust and electoral mandate,” accusing the lawmakers of “political opportunism.” In a press conference held shortly after the announcement, PDP state chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, hinted at possible legal action and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the seats vacant.
“The PDP remains the party of the people. What happened today is a setback for democracy, but we are not deterred,” Esiso said.
APC Celebrates, Calls It A Victory For Democracy
Meanwhile, the APC rolled out the drums in celebration. In a statement signed by Delta APC Chairman, Chief David Ekpomuki, the party said the defections signaled “a new dawn” for the state.

“We welcome these leaders into the progressive fold. Their decision shows confidence in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the leadership of our party at the state level.”
Implications For 2027 And Beyond
Political analysts say the development could significantly alter the 2027 electoral landscape, especially in the South-South zone, where the PDP has traditionally maintained a strong grip. With this defection, APC’s influence is expected to deepen, raising speculations of a full-scale political realignment in the region.

Dr. Mercy Ogbodu, a political science lecturer at Delta State University, told Niger Delta Herald:

“This is no ordinary defection. It is a coordinated shift that suggests a broader regional strategy by the APC ahead of 2027.”
Voices From The Streets
Reactions have poured in from Deltans across the three senatorial districts.

Mrs. Ese Onome, a trader in Warri, said: “All politicians are the same. Today they are PDP, tomorrow APC. We just want people who will do the work.”

Mr. Uche Okonkwo, a civil servant in Asaba, noted: “This shows that politics is not about the people but about their personal interest. Still, let’s see what APC does differently.”

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