There was wild jubilation over the weekend as Dr. Chris Okobah, a foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, led over two thousand supporters in a formal defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) during a well-attended ceremony at Ward 2, Onicha-Ugbo, in the Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Also joining the APC at the event was Mr. Justus Elue, a former treasurer of the PDP in the area. The ceremony was graced by the APC Oshimili South House of Assembly Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Ogbueshi Sualeze Eluaka, alongside other prominent party stalwarts.
Dr. Okobah explained that his decision to defect was motivated by a desire to align with the APC’s goals to bring development and progress to Onicha-Ugbo, while also tackling the issue of youth unemployment in the community. He expressed optimism that the ruling APC at the national level would soon bring unprecedented dividends of democracy to the community.
“This is a new dawn for Onicha-Ugbo. The interests of the people will now be prioritized at the highest level,” Dr. Okobah declared. He further urged the people of Onicha-Ugbo to unite and join the APC in large numbers to take advantage of opportunities for economic empowerment, particularly those being provided by Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly.
The Aniocha North APC Chairman, Sir Mathew Chinye, welcomed Dr. Okobah and his supporters into the APC family, describing the defection as a significant positive development. He noted that Dr. Okobah’s wealth of experience would be invaluable in shaping the party’s future. Sir Chinye emphasized that the party’s political horizon was bright and encouraged all progressives to unite in the pursuit of victory for the APC in 2027.
In his remarks, the Ward 2 APC Chairman, Mr. Frank Asimoye, congratulated Dr. Okobah for making the bold and well-thought-out decision to join the APC. He expressed confidence that Dr. Okobah’s membership, along with that of his supporters, would significantly enhance the party’s fortunes in the area and in Delta North during future political engagements.
Ogbueshi Sualeze Eluaka, the APC’s 2023 House of Assembly candidate for Oshimili South, praised Dr. Okobah as a political giant and grassroots mobilizer. He emphasized that Dr. Okobah’s political experience and pedigree would be a major asset to the APC. He also noted that the wave of defections into the party was a clear sign of the party’s growing influence and encouraged APC supporters to work diligently toward the party’s success.
The event culminated in a ceremonial registration, where Dr. Chris Okobah, Mr. Justus Elue, Mr. Sunny Okwuzu, and other new members were presented with APC membership cards by Sir Mathew Chinye and Mr. Frank Asimoye. The ceremony was marked by joyous celebrations and exchanges of pleasantries among party supporters from across Delta North, signifying the unity and renewed enthusiasm within the APC.