Delta Assembly Speaker, 21 lawmakers dump PDP for APC
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dennis Guwor, along with 21 other lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reshaping the state’s political terrain.
The defection, announced during Tuesday’s plenary session following the Easter recess, effectively transforms the state legislature into an APC-dominated chamber, with the remaining seven members also belonging to the ruling party.
Guwor explained that the mass defection followed extensive consultations with constituents and political stakeholders across Delta State.
He said their move is supported by Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits such action under specific circumstances.
According to the Speaker, the decision was driven by the need to align with the political direction of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu, and to ensure Delta State benefits from federal support and collaboration.
“This strategic realignment is in the interest of the people of Delta,” Guwor stated, praising Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his leadership and for leading the charge in shifting the state’s political allegiance.
Guwor confirmed the receipt of 22 formal notifications of defection, including his own, and attributed the lawmakers’ decision to the internal crisis and disunity within the PDP at the national and South-South levels.
He reiterated that the move was constitutionally valid, and thanked constituents for backing the decision.
Following the announcement, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi moved for the adoption of the defection letters.
The motion, seconded by Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II), was unanimously approved through a voice vote.
Speaking to journalists after the session, Nwaobi echoed the Speaker’s sentiments, citing internal PDP instability as the primary reason behind their decision to join the APC.