By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: In a dramatic political realignment that has redrawn the legislative map of Delta State, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and 21 other lawmakers originally elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), effectively transforming the state legislature into an all-APC House.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during the House’s first plenary session after the Easter recess. Guwor cited extensive consultations with constituents and political leaders as the basis for the decision, adding that the shift was driven by internal disarray within the PDP’s national and South-South zonal leadership.
“This decision is rooted in the instability plaguing the PDP at the national level and the factional divisions within its zonal structure.
”The Speaker also said. “After wide consultations, we resolved to align with the All Progressives Congress, in the best interest of our constituents and the future of Delta State.”
He explained that the move was constitutionally backed, referencing Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which permits elected members to defect if there is division within their political party.
The Speaker also disclosed that twenty-two letters of party affiliation change, including his own were formally received by his office, marking the official exit of the lawmakers from the PDP.
“With this action, the Delta State House of Assembly is now fully composed of members from the All Progressives Congress. This decision positions us to collaborate more effectively with the Federal Government for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Guwor commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who led the defection from the PDP to the APC, describing the move as strategic and forward-looking.
“As a legislative body, we support His Excellency’s bold decision. This alignment with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership will open new doors of development and prosperity for Deltans,” he said.
Majority Leader Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, who moved the motion to adopt the letters of defection, told journalists after the plenary that the decision was not taken lightly but became necessary due to persistent instability and unresolved crises within the PDP.
“We made this move in line with the Constitution and in the interest of good governance. Delta State cannot afford to be left behind when the opportunity for synergy and development is on the table,” Nwaobi stated.
The defection has stirred political discussions across the state, with observers noting that the total control of the Assembly by the APC could significantly shift the dynamics of governance and inter-party relations in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.