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The Delta State House of Assembly has become a one-party chamber following the defection of the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, and 21 other lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With seven members already elected on the APC platform in the 2023 election—and no representation from any other party—the defection means all 29 members of the House now belong to the ruling party.
The development was announced on Tuesday during the first plenary sitting after the Easter recess. Speaker Guwor, addressing the Assembly, said the decision followed extensive consultations with constituents and political leaders across the state.
He explained that the move was consistent with the provisions of Section 109 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
While thanking members for their support and commitment, the Speaker urged them to prioritise the completion of all outstanding legislative matters as the second session of the Assembly approaches its close.
He highlighted that the shift in political allegiance was driven by a realignment of stakeholders across Delta State and the collective intent to work in tandem with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The mass defection of members of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to the All Progressives Congress was made in the overall interest of Deltans and the state,” the Speaker said.
He further stated that the decision followed detailed consultations on 23 April, leading to the official defection ceremony held on 28 April 2025 at the Government House and later at the Cenotaph.
“We are fully committed to partnering with the Federal Government to deliver greater development to Deltans,” he said.
“On behalf of the House, I commend the courage and visionary leadership of our Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, in making this strategic and timely decision.
“As a legislative body, we stand with His Excellency in this endeavour. This renewed partnership between the state and Federal Government must be supported and allowed to flourish, so that we can begin to enjoy its benefits in the shortest possible time.”
The Speaker also confirmed that he had received 22 letters, including his own, notifying the Assembly of the change in party affiliation from the PDP to the APC.
According to him, the defection was triggered by ongoing instability in the PDP’s national leadership and deepening factional divisions within the party’s South-South Zonal Executive Committee—challenges that had led to internal crisis and disunity.
Quoting the legal foundation for the move, Guwor cited Section 109(1)(g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to affirm its constitutionality.
“With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now composed entirely of members from the All Progressives Congress. We thank our constituents for endorsing this progressive course of action,” he added.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu received the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
News Central gathered that Oborevwori arrived at the presidential villa premises at about 03:45 pm Tuesday, alone.
Tuesday’s meeting is the governor’s first encounter with the President since he defected to the governing party, APC from the PDP.
With his defection on April 23, 2025, Oborevwori became the first incumbent governor of Delta State to abandon the PDP since 1999.
