The political landscape in Delta State experienced a major realignment on Monday, September 7, 2026, as more than 1,000 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The event took place in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, drawing party faithful, community stakeholders, and members of the Delta Coalition for Equity (DCFE) across all nine local government areas of the Delta North Senatorial District.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, philanthropist, community leader, and former Convener of the Delta Coalition for Equity, cited long-standing marginalization, neglect, and dissatisfaction with the governing APC as the driving factors behind the collective decision.
”The people of Delta North have been marginalized, deprived, and oppressed, particularly by those who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC. We are tired of being neglected. The people were just waiting for someone to lead the way, and that time has come,” Ikpeazu stated.
Ikpeazu affirmed that the group would fully mobilize grassroots support for the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as well as the party’s governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Yovwaye Chris, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Receiving the new members, the NDC Delta State Chairman, Dr. Oyidobo Richmond, described the influx as a turning point for the party’s political influence in the state. He charged the new entrants to return to their respective wards and local government areas to begin immediate grassroots mobilization.
”I want to welcome you to our great party; this is the party of victory. In NDC, we don’t discriminate. There are no old members; there are no new members. We are all equal,” Richmond stated, attributing the party’s surging popularity to Peter Obi’s public service record.
The NDC governorship candidate, Deacon Yovwaye Chris, welcomed the crowd and highlighted the shift as more than routine political maneuvering.
”It’s not decamping; it’s a movement. We welcome you with open arms,” Chris said, urging the new members to approach their work with humility and operate smoothly within the existing party structure.
Chris also criticized the incumbent administration’s focus on costly flyover projects in Agbor and other areas, describing them as misplaced priorities relative to urgent needs in security, education, healthcare, and infrastructure maintenance.
Other prominent figures present at the reception included; Hon. Harron Udaka (NDC Senatorial Chairman, Delta North), Chief Steve Ikpade (APC Leader in Delta North) and Nacbeth Ojugbeli.
The leaders collectively called on all incoming members to maintain discipline, respect the NDC constitution, and collaborate effectively to strengthen the party’s foundation across Delta State.
