The political landscape of Delta State witnessed a seismic shift as the daughter of former Governor James Ibori, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, member of the House of Representatives for Ethiope Federal Constituency, led a mass defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event, held at the Oghara Mini Stadium, saw thousands in attendance, marking a historic moment in Delta politics and earning Ibori-Suenu the moniker “The Bulldozer of Delta Politics and Amazon of the Niger Delta.”
The defection ceremony coincided with a constituency empowerment programme where Ibori-Suenu distributed an array of items, including sewing machines, power generators, tricycles, motorcycles, hairstyling equipment, and vehicles.
The atmosphere was charged with jubilation as beneficiaries praised the lawmaker’s dedication to uplifting her constituency.
The event also signalled a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prominent figures at the event included Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy Senate President; Hon. John Hallims Agoda, a former House of Representatives member; and Chief Ayiri Emami, a renowned Itsekiri political leader.
They, along with the APC Delta State Chairman and other political heavyweights, celebrated Ibori-Suenu’s bold decision to leave the ruling PDP for the APC.
Chief Ovie Omo-Agege used the platform to criticise the Delta State government’s alleged financial mismanagement, which he claimed amounted to over ₦900 billion in unaccounted spending.
He vowed that an APC-led administration would probe the current administration’s finances, fuelling expectations of intense political battles in the lead-up to the next elections.
Hon. John Hallims Agoda commended Ibori-Suenu’s courage and described her as a “blessing to Ethiope Federal Constituency and Delta State.”
He lauded her for consistently addressing the needs of her people through empowerment initiatives and her strategic decision to align with the APC to realise her vision for the constituency.
Addressing the gathering, Ibori-Suenu explained that her prolonged stay in the PDP was borne out of necessity rather than conviction.
“I never liked the party from the beginning but stayed to fulfil all righteousness,” she revealed. Declaring her loyalty to the APC, she affirmed her readiness to champion the party’s cause and pledged her commitment to the progress of her people.
The event also witnessed the inauguration of the Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu Grassroots Network, a body of ward leaders and stakeholders tasked with ensuring the APC’s victory in the Ethiope Federal Constituency come 2027.
This move underscores the growing momentum within the APC to challenge the PDP’s dominance in the state.
With representatives from across Nigeria in attendance, the ceremony underscored Ibori-Suenu’s influence and the APC’s determination to consolidate its presence in Delta State.
APC stalwarts pledged their unwavering support for her leadership, signalling a new chapter in the state’s political history.
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