The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, along with 20 assembly members, have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria.
The decision to defect was made after extensive consultations with stakeholders across the state, citing the PDP’s inability to win against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Senator James Manager, a former PDP gubernatorial aspirant, announced the defection, describing the PDP as an irretrievably sinking boat.
The defectors are expected to be welcomed into the APC at a rally featuring Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The APC has welcomed the defectors, with National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka assuring them of full cooperation and accommodation within the party.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike praised the defectors for supporting President Tinubu, urging others to join the Renewed Hope train.
This mass defection is seen as a significant blow to the PDP’s 2027 election plans and could alter the political landscape in the South-South region.
The APC’s gain of roughly 1.4 million Delta votes could boost President Tinubu’s re-election chances.
