Political Tsunami: PDP Members in Ethiope East Defect to APC in Mass Exodus

In a dramatic political shift, a large number of members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Orhaokpor Ward 7, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday. The mass defection, led by key political figures under the Ibori Suenu Grassroots Network (ISGN), signals a major realignment in the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.  

The defectors, including prominent PDP figures such as Hon. Marbel Odogun, Hon. Victor Otubuere, and Blessing Ogbigho, were officially received by the Orhaokpor APC executives, local party leaders, and key political stakeholders within the local government. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as party loyalists and supporters gathered to welcome the new members into the APC fold.  

Addressing the crowd, the defectors emphasized their commitment to strengthening the APC’s presence in the region.  

“Today marks the beginning of a new political journey for us. The APC, which we have long considered our promised land, is now a reality. We are here with a firm resolve to contribute our strength, energy, and resources to ensure the party’s rapid growth and dominance in Ethiope East, said Hon. Marbel Odogun, one of the leading figures in the defection.  

The event saw an overwhelming turnout, with supporters of the former PDP members joining the wave of political realignment. Many described their decision to leave the PDP as a response to the APC’s growing influence and developmental agenda in Delta State.  
 
Welcoming the new members, APC executives in Orhaokpor Ward 7 expressed their joy over the influx of experienced politicians and grassroots mobilizers into the party. They assured them of equal opportunities and full integration into the party’s structure.  

“This is a historic moment for our party. The addition of these respected leaders and their supporters strengthens our resolve to build a formidable APC in Delta State. We are confident that their experience and political strength will help drive our vision forward, an APC ward leader remarked.  

Beyond the local executives, APC chieftains from the local government and state level were also in attendance, emphasizing the significance of the political development.  

The mass defection comes amid rising political tensions in Delta State, where the APC has been working aggressively to expand its support base. Ethiope East, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP, is now witnessing a growing wave of opposition support, signaling potential changes in the state’s political dynamics.  

As the 2027 elections draw closer, political analysts believe that such defections could have far-reaching implications for party dominance in the region. For the APC, the latest defection is seen as a strategic victory, strengthening its grassroots appeal and increasing its chances of electoral success.  

With more political realignments expected in the coming months, the question remains: Will the APC’s growing influence in Delta State lead to a major power shift, or can the PDP regain its lost ground? Only time will tell.