A massive crowd gathered in Umeh, Isoko South, on Sunday as Hon. Alade Odiri and several others officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors were received by the APC Isoko South Chapter chairman, Comrade Vincent Egbogbo, who, alongside other party chieftains, stormed Umeh to receive the new members. The gathering highlights the growing dissatisfaction with the PDP-led government in the state, which has been accused of marginalization and lack of development.
Hon. Alade Odiri, a longtime PDP stalwart, cited neglect and discrimination against Erowha-Umeh under the PDP government as key reasons for his decision to switch allegiance. “For too long, our community has been sidelined and deprived of political inclusion. Today, we have seen the light in APC, and we are ready to be part of the family to ensure our voices are heard,” he stated.
Dr. Alex Ubuluku, another APC leader, assured the new members that the party embraces all as one family. “In APC, no one is treated as a newcomer. We urge you to integrate fully and work with the party structure for the collective good,” he said.
Hon. Clinton Akazor praised the bold step taken by the defectors, urging them to spread the “good news” of APC and encourage more opposition members to join. Similarly, Ward Chairman Comrade Owolo Abednego expressed confidence that APC is on track to take over the state in the 2027 elections. He presented membership cards to the new entrants as a formal welcome into the party.
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In his address, APC LGA Chairman Vincent Egbogbo sent a strong message to the opposition, declaring that the tide is turning in Delta State. “The PDP should start packing their bags from the Government House because APC is gaining strength daily. We remain united, and we welcome more members to join this progressive movement,” he said.
The defection of Hon. Alade Odiri and others marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Isoko South, reinforcing APC’s growing influence in Delta State ahead of the 2027 elections.