By Michael Ilaya
Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and supporters including, a renowned philanthropist, Engineer Ashaka Orobosa Maro, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor – Former Council Chairman and a host of other PDP Bigwigs have, Friday formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In the frenzy of political realignment, the APC Ozoro Ward 111 witnessed the formal defection of prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members to the APC party following similar defections across Delta State and reflects growing alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.
Key PDP personalities who officially joined the APC include current and former elected officials, party executives, and Special Advisers to both State and Federal elected and appointed officials, signaling a holistic shift in the ward’s political architecture.
The APC leadership welcomed the new members with assurances of equal opportunities, emphasising that the party’s canopy is big enough to accommodate all progress-minded individuals regardless of their political antecedents.
The event was marked by speeches from key personalities, including Hon. Emmanuel Ajiri Egbabor, who stated that their cardinal mission was the desire to “perfect what was initiated in Asaba by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori” in addition to fostering the spirit of inclusivity, where party lines should be put aside for the sake of brotherhood, community progress, unity of purpose and mutual respect.
He therefore urged APC members to dispel rumours of “overtaking,” emphasising unity within the party to attract more development to the ward, stating that Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, though absent, remains aligned with the APC family.
Addressing the gathering, Hon Barr. Odior Bernard , Majority Chief Whip and member representing Isoko North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA), declared that all members of the DTHA are united under the APC to key in the Delta State Governor ‘More Agenda Mantra’.
He announced plans for an upcoming official defection of Ozoro Ward 10 and promised equal treatment and benefits for all members to foster party growth.
Also speaking, Hon. William Omoviro (Kingibe), leader of Ozoro APC, formally received the PDP defectors, assuring them of fairness and equal rights within the party, stressing that APC operates without segregation, offering the same privileges to both old and new members.
Amongst the PDP Defectors in attendance include Engr. Ashaka Orobosa Maro, Hon. Bernard Odior – Majority Chief Whip DTHA, Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor – Former Council Chairman , Hon. Otheremu Joseph– Former Council Vice Chairman & Ex-National Assembly Commission Rep, and Hon. Sunny Elueni – SSA to Hon. Ajiroghene Ukodhiko.
Others were Hon. Pascal Emeluaha – Councillor, Ozoro Ward 3 & Leader of the House, Hon. Inonoje Emmanuel (Foscobo) – OPU Vice President , Hon. Utuodor Sunday – Former Council Secretary , Comr. Ogba Charles – CEO/MD, Our Choice Motors, Barr. Imonina Sylvester – SSA on Political Matters to Governor Sheriff, Dr. Andrews Elueni – Former SSA on Economic Planning to Ex-Gov. Okowa , Elder Silver Okoro – Former Community Chairman, Hon. Gladys Otugwo– SSA on Political Matters to the Governor, Chief Ejemite – Former OPU President , Mr. Lucky Akarie – Former PDP Ward 3 Chairman , Comr. Akudo Orobo – SA on Youth Mobilization to the Governor.
The APC Bigwigs and representatives present were Barr. Daniel Emebuno– APC Isoko North LG Chairman, Hon. William Omoviro (Kingibe) – Ozoro APC Leader, Hon. Dr. Enahoro Michael – 2023 APC HoA Candidate, Mr. Michael Owhofasa – APC Ward 3 Chairman and Mr. David Edafe -Ward Secretary.
Other APC stalwarts present were Pst. Patrick Ichofu, Mr. Paul Ezie, Comr. Sagacious Louis, Onaemor – Former SLA to the 9th National Assembly , Barr. Jim Elueni, Odio Sunday Emoredo, Chief Etenero Tesla, Rotn. Ulueme Abraham, Mr. David Onorioma – APC LGA Secretary, Madam Martha Othowhora – Ward Women Leader , Comr. Joel Omorojo and Hon. Mark Odoko (Oloye) – APC Vice Chairmanship Candidate 2024 among other APC faithful.
