By Mercy Gadia Adi
Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan, and five members of the House of Representatives from Delta State have officially defected from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) during Plenary session at the house of reprentative.
The lawmakers include Hon. Victor Nwokolo, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, Hon. Julius Pondi, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, cited the PDP’s leadership crisis and internal conflicts as reasons for their decision.
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The defection follows Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s move to the APC on April 28, 2025, along with other PDP members, including National and State Assembly members, Council Chairmen, and government appointees.
Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko had earlier hinted at the defection in a statement on his official Facebook page on April 25, 2025. “It is no longer news that the political trajectory of Delta State has shifted for the best following the decision of our political leaders in Delta State, ably led by our amiable and high-performing Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with the structures of our former party, the PDP,” he wrote.
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and prioritization of the state’s interests. Hon. Ukodhiko stated, “I sincerely thank His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, for always putting the interests of the state first and for his purposeful leadership, which has kept us united and stronger.”
The defection is seen as a significant boost to the APC in Delta State, with the party aiming to secure re-election for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in 2027. “Our priority now is securing the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in 2027 in order forp Delta State to continue to benefit from the Renewed Hope and MORE Agenda of the President and the Governor,” Hon. Ukodhiko said.
He assured his constituents that their interests would be protected as they transition to the APC. “Rest assured, your interests will continually be protected as we make this transition together to the APC party to enable us to safeguard the political future of our people,” Hon. Ukodhiklpp0lll said.
The PDP’s leadership crisis has been ongoing, with internal conflicts affecting the party’s structures and goodwill among Nigerians. The defection of the lawmakers and Governor Oborevwori’s administration is seen as a major blow to the PDP in Delta State.
The APC has welcomed the lawmakers and Governor Oborevwori’s administration, seeing the defection as a significant gain for the party. The APC is expected to leverage this development to strengthen its position in Delta State and secure re-election in 2027.
The defection marks a new chapter in the political landscape of Delta State, with the lawmakers and Governor Oborevwori’s administration poised to work together to achieve their goals under the APC.