In a dramatic political shift, Dennis Guwor, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, alongside 21 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced their defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.
This move transforms the political composition of the Delta State House of Assembly, now dominated by the APC, with only seven remaining PDP members.
During the resumption of the Assembly after the Easter break, Speaker Guwor explained that the decision to defect followed extensive consultations with political leaders and constituents throughout the state.
He emphasized that the shift was consistent with Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Guwor indicated that their decision to align with the APC was driven by a need to synchronize with the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
He expressed that the decision was made with the aim of achieving greater development for the state.
“This collective defection, which includes members from the PDP under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership, was made with the best interests of Delta State in mind,” Guwor stated. “We are now committed to collaborating with the federal government for the benefit of our state.”
He also commended Governor Oborevwori’s leadership in facilitating this shift, calling it a well-timed and strategic move that would contribute to Delta’s progress.
Guwor highlighted the importance of the renewed cooperation between the state and federal governments, which he said would yield tangible benefits for the people.
The Speaker disclosed that he had received official letters from all 22 defectors, including himself, confirming their change of political allegiance from the PDP to the APC.
He pointed to internal instability within the PDP and divisions within the South-South Zonal Executive as the driving factors behind their decision.
Guwor further cited Section 109(1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution to justify the defection, which permits lawmakers to switch parties in certain circumstances, especially in the face of divisions within their former political parties.
“Now, the Delta State House of Assembly is entirely made up of APC members,” Guwor confirmed, expressing appreciation to the constituents who endorsed the shift.
Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi echoed Guwor’s remarks, attributing the defection to the ongoing instability at the national level of the PDP and the factionalization within the South-South zone.
He emphasized that the decision was made in line with constitutional provisions and after thoughtful deliberation on the best course of action for the state.
Following the announcement, the Assembly unanimously passed a motion to formally recognize the change of party affiliation, with Nwaobi proposing the motion and APC representative Ferguson Onwo seconding it.
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