A fresh tremor has hit Delta, self-styled Nigeria’s Big Heart State, following the mass defection of legislators into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors had been elected on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Today’s move followed last week’s defection of the State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, his predecessor in office, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the echelon of the State PDP into the APC.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, along with 21 other former members of the PDP elected into the DTHA, officially defected to the APC, following what they said was a major realignment of political stakeholders across the state.
The defection of the 22 lawmakers has effectively transformed the Delta State House of Assembly into a one-party legislature, as the remaining seven members were originally elected on the ticket of the APC.
Announcing the development today during the resumption of plenary after the Easter break, the Speaker stated that the decision was the result of extensive consultations with their constituents and political leaders throughout the state.
He emphasized that the move aligned with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
While expressing appreciation to members for their contributions so far, Speaker Guwor urged the House to ensure the completion of all pending bills as the second legislative session nears its end.
He noted that the political shift toward the APC was in response to the realignment of stakeholders and the desire to align with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress was made in the overall interest of Deltans and the state,” the Speaker said.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations held on April 23 and 28, 2025, at the Government House and the Cenotaph, respectively. “We are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver greater development to Deltans,” he added.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of our Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in making this strategic and timely decision.
“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour. This renewed partnership between the state and Federal Government must be supported and allowed to flourish, so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time.”
He informed the House that he had received twenty-two letters (including his own) notifying of the change of party affiliation from the PDP to the APC.
The defection, he said, was driven by instability within the PDP’s national leadership and factional divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive Committee, leading to internal conflicts and disunity within the party.
Citing Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Speaker affirmed the constitutional basis for the defection.
“With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action,” he concluded.
A motion to adopt the letters of party change was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, who represents Isoko South II.
Earlier in the session, Speaker Guwor read a letter from Governor Oborevwori requesting the repeal and re-enactment of the College of Education, Warri, Law of 2008 and the Delta State College of Education, Mosogar, Law of 2016, to consolidate them under the Delta State Colleges of Education Law, 2025.
The proposed amendment seeks to create a uniform operational framework and enhance the educational system in the state.
The bill is scheduled for its first reading at the next sitting.
A motion to adjourn the House until Wednesday, May 7, 2025, was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by Hon. Augustine Uroye, who represents Warri South I.
Speaking to journalists after the plenary, the Majority Leader, Nwaobi reiterated that the defection was prompted by the crisis within the PDP.
“Our decision was based on the instability at the national level and the factionalization at the South-South level. Consequently, we chose to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress, in accordance with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” he said.
