In a major political shift in Delta State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, alongside 21 other lawmakers formerly with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made during the House’s plenary session on Tuesday, marking the Assembly’s first sitting after the Easter break. With this development, all 29 members of the Assembly now belong to the APC, effectively making it an all-APC chamber.
Speaker Guwor explained that the mass defection was the outcome of widespread consultations with their constituents and key political players across the state. He cited Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for their move.
According to him, the switch was aimed at fostering stronger collaboration with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu and attracting more federal opportunities to Delta State.
He described the move as a “strategic realignment” meant to advance the interests of the people, and also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership and influence in guiding the state’s new political direction.
Guwor confirmed that 22 defection letters, including his own, had been formally received by the Assembly. He attributed their decision to the internal strife and lack of cohesion within the PDP at both national and regional levels.
Following the announcement, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi proposed the acceptance of the defection notices. His motion was supported by Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II) and was unanimously adopted via a voice vote.
Addressing reporters after the plenary, Nwaobi reiterated that the defection was largely prompted by instability within the PDP, echoing the Speaker’s stance.
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