Another Loss For Peter Obi: Delta Lawmaker Ngozi Okolie Dumps Labour Party, Defects to APC

 

Amid growing political realignments in Delta State, the member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Ngozi Okolie, has officially resigned from the Labour Party and declared allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The lawmaker made the announcement during a press briefing held in Asaba on Friday, offering insight into the strategic reasoning behind his political shift.

Mr. Okolie, who secured his seat in the 2023 general elections under the Labour Party banner by defeating Ndudi Elumelu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stated that his decision was driven by persistent internal crises plaguing the Labour Party. Describing the party as disorganised and directionless, he expressed concern about its ability to support legislative effectiveness and constituency development.

Voicing frustration over the Labour Party’s unresolved conflicts and lack of clear leadership, the federal legislator noted, “To be honest, I think that the Labour Party for now is very disorganised. We don’t have any headway, no directions. The lingering problems are actually drawing us back.”

His move, he explained, was not only a matter of political survival but also one motivated by a commitment to better serve the interests of his constituents. “Staying in a party that is not organised would actually not make me progress in the National Assembly,” he asserted.

In what appears to be a calculated political move, Okolie cited the wave of defections to the APC in the state as a factor in his decision. He pointed out that various political stakeholders, including traditional rulers and even the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori—originally of the PDP—have now aligned themselves with the ruling party at the center.

“A lot of people are resigning from their party and moving to APC,” he observed. “I think it would be to the advantage of my constituency to actually join them there too.”

Engaging in consultations before finalising his decision, Okolie revealed that discussions were held with traditional rulers and community members. While acknowledging that not everyone was in agreement, he emphasized the importance of acting decisively.

“There comes a time that you really have to weigh the options available to you and just make the decision you think is right at that point,” he said. “I have discussed with traditional rulers, discussed with some people in my constituency. Of course, I couldn’t reach out to everybody and that is the sense of addressing you because I know you can reach out to a lot more people.”

Okolie also confirmed having spoken with Governor Oborevwori about the move before formally severing ties with the Labour Party. He described the final two years of his tenure as a critical period that demands proactive decisions aimed at unlocking developmental opportunities for his federal constituency.

The lawmaker’s switch comes amid a broader trend of defections as politicians realign themselves with the ruling APC, seeking better access to federal influence and project funding. Okolie’s defection is expected to further embolden the APC’s presence in Delta State, traditionally a stronghold of the PDP.

Although reactions from constituents and party officials have been mixed, Okolie remains firm in his belief that the decision will yield long-term benefits for the people of Aniocha/Oshimili. With two years left in the current legislative term, he appears determined to use the new political platform to attract development initiatives and solidify his political legacy.

As the political landscape continues to shift in the lead-up to the next election cycle, Okolie’s defection may be a sign of deeper ideological and strategic recalibrations within Delta State’s evolving power structure.