By Emmanuel Ogoigbe
Prof. Patrick Muoboghare has declared his intention to contest for the Senate following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the PDP as a “sinking ship” that has lost all internal cohesion and direction.
The academic-turned-politician said his decision to dump the opposition party was driven by what he described as the total collapse of its leadership and organisational structure.
“The PDP is no longer alive. It is a sinking ship, and I cannot fly my political career with a sinking ship,” Muoboghare said.
He explained that his decision to seek a Senate seat was based on political reality and opportunity, noting that the presidency, governorship and state assembly seats were not vacant.
“I will go for the one that is vacant, which is the Senate. That is where I can make the most impact,” he said.
Muoboghare said his senatorial ambition is anchored on the need to contribute meaningfully to national security debates, especially the herdsmen crisis, and to defend the interests of the Okuama community at the National Assembly.
He assured his supporters that he has both the financial strength and political capacity to prosecute a credible campaign.
His defection was formally received by the APC leadership, with the party’s State Chairman, Chief Sobotie, and the Uwheru APC leader, Chief Simeon Owhofa, welcoming him into the party.
The APC leaders described the move as a major political boost that would strengthen the party’s structure and electoral prospects in Uwheru and across Ughelli North.
Chief Owhofa said the defection marked a turning point for the party in Uwheru Kingdom, predicting a landslide victory for the APC in future elections.
“With this development, APC will win convincingly in Uwheru. The votes here are not negotiable,” he said.
Muoboghare, reiterating his criticism of the PDP, said the party was not only a burning house but a ship that had already sunk.
“It would be foolish to dive into the ocean to rescue what has already been destroyed,” he said, adding that he has chosen a new political path with the APC where, according to him, unity, purpose and political life still exist.
