In a dramatic twist, former members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, who recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), have sparked controversy by refusing to resign their membership from the PDP, despite wanting to register as APC members.
The ongoing registration process for new members has faced significant challenges, as APC ward leaders in parts of Delta State have refused to register the defectors without evidence of their resignation from the PDP. This move has sparked tension and confusion within the political landscape of the state.
Sources have revealed that the refusal to register the new APC members due to their failure to submit resignation letters has caused serious glitches in the registration process. In response to the hiccups, the Delta State APC, under the leadership of Elder Omeni Sobotie, has intervened, instructing local leaders to disregard the resignation letter requirement to allow smooth registration.
Meanwhile, PDP members in the state, who were not supportive of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s decision to defect to the APC, have gathered to pledge their loyalty to the PDP and plan to rebuild the party. Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, the Chairman of the PDP’s Zonal Caretaker in the South-South, confirmed that the PDP would form a caretaker committee in the next month to reclaim the party’s strength.
Despite the mass defection, the atmosphere remains tense as both PDP and APC members in the state are at odds, with accusations flying from all sides. A source close to the situation noted the reluctance of many defectors, stating, “People are sitting back to see how things unfold. The registration process is slow because of the uncertainties about what will happen next.”
As the political game intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the PDP will pursue legal action to challenge the defections. While they have not filed a lawsuit yet, party leaders have indicated that they are preparing to take the matter to court, seeking to declare the seats of defectors vacant based on constitutional provisions.
This situation highlights the deepening rift within Delta State’s political fabric, with the APC’s rise in the region facing increasing friction from the PDP. The outcome of these legal and political battles could shape the state’s political future as the 2027 elections draw closer.
