Drama In Delta As Ex-PDP Defectors Refuse To Accept APC Membership Registration
Drama In Delta As Ex-PDP Defectors Refuse To Accept APC Membership Registration
The mass defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and their loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State is facing early turbulence, as many former PDP members are reportedly reluctant to formalise their APC membership.
Despite the public fanfare during last week’s declaration in Asaba—where Governor Oborevwori insisted it was “a movement, not a defection”—registration of new members has been sluggish across the state.
“Currently, we have issued cards to ward chairmen to go and register PDP members willing to register,” said Mr. Obakpororo Onoabedje, APC chairman in Ughelli North. “From skeletal reports, they are not forthcoming; they are foot-dragging. From what we are seeing and experiencing, the exercise is very clumsy.”
Party sources say ward-level APC officials initially refused to register the defectors, demanding resignation letters from the PDP as proof of intent—an action that led to tension and stalled registration.
“They only just left PDP, but registration is low-key for now. There is no stipulated time they should come and register. The registration, like Permanent Voter Card, runs from morning till evening,” said a party insider.
“Many don’t know what will happen, so they are sceptical. There are uncertainties, so some are reluctant,” the insider added.
In response, APC State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie stepped in, directing officials at the local and ward levels to waive the requirement for resignation letters.
Similarly, APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, ordered all party functionaries to allow a seamless registration process. “All party functionaries at the grassroots, local government chairmen and ward chairmen, are hereby instructed to eliminate any bureaucratic hurdles, red tape or procedural bottlenecks that may hinder the seamless registration and integration of these new members,” he stated.
Meanwhile, PDP leaders at various levels are regrouping. Members who refused to join the defection have begun organizing efforts to rebuild the party from the grassroots.
South-South PDP Chairman Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, who is leading the rebuilding process, told Vanguard, “Like I told you much earlier, in one month, the caretaker committee of the PDP in the state will be ready.”
He added, “I have told them to open the doors till one month before we close it,” stressing that he’s been encouraged by party members who have rejected the defection and reaffirmed their commitment to the PDP.
At the declaration rally in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described the mass exodus as strategic alignment with the APC-led federal government.
“What you have seen here today is a movement, it’s not a defection; it’s a movement. We have done consultations with our National Assembly members, with leadership, with stakeholders at the state level, at the senatorial level, at the local government level, at the ward level and we all decided that we must all join,” he said.
He continued, “We cannot do it in our own party. We have to be inside to do it, and to do it well… Our members in the National Assembly are the next; they have agreed they will all defect on the floor of the house, and we have justification to move.”
