Victor Ochei, the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday [1].
The departure of a high-profile former legislative leader signals deepening instability within the ruling party's regional structure. This move occurs as the APC struggles to maintain cohesion in Delta State following a period of internal friction.
Ochei said an internal crisis within the APC was the primary driver for his decision to leave the party [1]. His resignation follows a broader wave of defections that emerged after recent party primaries [3]. These primaries, intended to solidify the party's candidate list, instead appeared to alienate key figures within the state's political hierarchy.
The resignation is the latest in a series of exits that have shaken the party's foundation in the region [3]. While Ochei has not yet announced a new political affiliation, his exit adds to the growing list of officials distancing themselves from the APC leadership in Delta State [2].
Local political observers said such high-level defections often precede larger shifts in regional power dynamics. The APC now faces the challenge of stabilizing its membership as it navigates the fallout from its primary processes [1].
Ochei previously served as the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, where he held significant influence over state legislative affairs. His decision to leave the party reflects a broader trend of volatility currently rocking the ruling party [3].
“Victor Ochei resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The exit of Victor Ochei underscores a fragility in the APC's grip on Delta State. When former legislative leaders depart due to primary-related grievances, it suggests a breakdown in the party's internal dispute resolution mechanisms. This trend of defections could weaken the party's electoral viability in the region and may encourage other disgruntled members to seek alternative political homes.
