APC Gains Big in Delta as Ovie Umuakpo Leads Mass Defection
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State recorded a major political boost on Wednesday as renowned youth leader and former National President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, formally defected to the party with over 1,000 supporters, in what observers have described as a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape.
The historic defection, which took place on February 4 at Ovrode in Isoko North Local Government Area, attracted top government officials, party leaders, stakeholders and a large crowd of party faithfuls who converged to welcome the influential youth mobiliser and his followers into the APC family.
Among those present to receive Comrade Umuakpo were the Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme; the APC Chairman of Ellu/Aradhe/Ovrode Ward 3, Chief Patrick Ferife; alongside other party chieftains and grassroots leaders from across the area.
Formally declaring his allegiance to the APC, Comrade Umuakpo, who currently serves as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring, said his decision was anchored on loyalty, conviction and confidence in the leadership of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
He stated unequivocally that where the Governor stands politically is where he stands, stressing that he strongly believes in the Governor’s MORE Agenda and its vision for inclusive growth, peace and sustainable development across Delta State.
Umuakpo urged leaders and people of Ellu, Aradhe and Ovrode wards, as well as Deltans at large, to close ranks behind Governor Oborevwori, whom he described as a visionary, fair-minded and detribalised leader committed to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.
Welcoming the new entrants, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, commended Comrade Umuakpo and his supporters for what he described as a wise and timely decision to join the ruling party, assuring them of full inclusion and equal treatment within the APC.
“As you are joining us today, you should know that you are already considered old members of the party,” Onojaeme declared.
“In this party, there is no discrimination. When we joined last year, we were warmly and wholeheartedly received, and for almost one year now, we have enjoyed full inclusion without any form of discrimination.”
He noted that the APC leadership in the state has consistently carried everyone along, irrespective of when they joined, adding that whatever is due to one person in the party is due to all.
The Commissioner also lauded Governor Oborevwori’s leadership style, describing him as focused, fair and inclusive, with a development philosophy that cuts across ethnic and geographical boundaries.
“The Governor is doing excellently well. He has performed creditably for all of us. The least we can do for him is to come together as one, and that is exactly what we are doing here today,” Onojaeme said.
He stressed that politics should not be driven by selfish or personal interests but by the genuine desire to deliver meaningful development to the people, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects across the state as clear evidence of the administration’s balanced approach.
Citing the recent groundbreaking of the Uromi Junction flyover project in Agbor being executed by Julius Berger, as well as similar projects commissioned earlier in Warri, Onojaeme said the spread of development across Delta State underscores the power of unity and inclusive governance.
He further admonished party members to uphold respect, discipline and unity, warning against divisive rhetoric or speaking ill of leaders.
“Nobody should speak ill of any leader. If anyone calls on me to condemn a leader, I will instead call on that leader,” he said, urging party faithfuls to maintain harmony at all times.
The defection of Comrade Umuakpo and his large support base is widely seen as a strategic gain for the APC in Isoko North and Delta State at large, reinforcing the party’s grassroots strength and consolidating support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration ahead of future political engagements.
