By Oyem Jonathan
The Executive Chairman of Aniocha South Council, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike , on Friday, April 26, 2025, addressed a strategic stakeholders’ meeting at the Ogwashi-Uku Event Center, where he officially communicated the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) bloc in Delta State to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The decision, he said, is in line with the bold and strategic move by the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside former Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and other key stakeholders of the PDP, to align with the ruling APC at the federal level.
Chukwunwike hailed the defection as a pivotal moment in Delta’s political history, stating that it would revolutionize the structure and strength of the APC across the state. “This political alignment will accelerate growth and development,” he said, describing it as a “definitive game-changer” that would boost the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Reinforcing the sentiment, Hon. Paschal Lord Michael Adigwe, a former National Assembly member and ex-Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, alongside Hon. Paul Adingupu, endorsed the chairman’s message and urged stakeholders to rally behind the new political direction.
Sir Peter Okwe, PDP LGA Chairman, along with Cyril Ijeh and Fidelis Chukwuka Rigogo, speaking on behalf of various ward chairmen, expressed support for Governor Oborevwori’s defection. Hon. Patrick Onyekennankei called for peace among local leaders to enable genuine reconciliation and assured the gathering of broad-based support.
The highlight of the meeting came during the legislative vote, where the Majority Leader of the Aniocha South Legislative Arm, Hon. Apostle Patrick Maduemezie, moved a motion for the full alignment of Aniocha South PDP with the APC. It was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Hon. David Omah. A voice vote led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Leonard Nzemeke, confirmed overwhelming support: “The ‘Ayes’ have it!” marking a formal adoption of the resolution to merge with the APC.
In his closing remarks, Okwe praised the turnout and encouraged all wards to mobilize for the formalization of the defection, scheduled for Monday, April 28.
“We look forward to working together for the betterment of Delta State in strong support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership,” Pastor Chukwunwike stated.
Dignitaries present include Hon. Smart Ufoh Ijeoma, Technical and Vocational Education boss; Arch. Kester Ifeadi, Hon. Chief Barr. Nath Igbadi – SA to the Governor on Investment and Infrastructure; Hon. Emmanuel Sorokwu , a former Council chairman; Hon. Engr. Lawrence Ejiofor, a former Commissioner and a Director in the Direct Labour Agency.
Others are Hon. Chief Joe Adigwe, former PDP chairman and Transition Council chairman; Hon. Collins Iwebunor, Director of ICT, State Board of Internal Revenue; Chief A.C. Okocha; Prince Mike Okwufulueze, former PDP chairman and
Hon. Patricia Adolue Ekwutozam, Council Vice Chairman.
Also at the meeting are Hon. Prince Tony Ebube, council scribe; Hon. Stephen Asikawili, a former Council vice chairman; Hon. Amaka Adigwe former Council vice chairman and SSA to the Governor on Women Mobilization; Hon. Tony Onyeisi Anuku, Hon. Joseph Modeme, Dr. Tony Chukwumah Adigwe, Mr. Innocent Okofu, Mr. Benjamin Okocha Nduka (BON) and Bishop Ilomechine Brian
Other stakeholders are Chief Mayor Enujeko, former National Youth Council president and SSA to the Governor; Dr.Jones Ofunne, Executive Secretary, Local Government Education Authority; Venerable Okonkwo Christian, CAN chairman, Aniocha South Chapter and Barr. Mayor Okolie, State Youth Leader (defunct PDP).
Mrs. Victoria Okoh, SSA on Women Mobilization; Sir Abu Ndekwu, former LGA PDP chairman; Hon. Chidi Tugwai, former Chairmanship aspirant and Hon. Jude Igwebueze, former Councilor were also in attendance.
Some special stakeholder and interest groups were also present. These include: representatives of the Hausa/Fulani communities, traditional rulers, serving and past councilors, supervisors, party chieftains, and political appointees from both local and state levels.
