In a major political shift, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dennis Guwor, and 21 other lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection, according to reports, which was announced during the Assembly’s first plenary session after the Easter break on Tuesday, marks a significant realignment in the state’s political structure. With this move, the 29-member Assembly is now entirely composed of APC legislators.

Announcing the mass defection, Guwor cited extensive consultations with constituents and political leaders across the state as the primary reason for the move. He added that the decision aligns with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which permits defection in the event of a division within a political party.

“The shift to the APC reflects the evolving political realities in the state and a desire to align more closely with the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Guwor stated.

He further explained that the lawmakers’ decision followed high-level consultations held on April 23 and was formalised at an official reception on April 28 at both the Government House and the Cenotaph.

“As a legislative body, we are fully committed to collaborating with the Federal Government to accelerate development in Delta State,” the Speaker said. “We also commend Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his courage and visionary leadership in steering this strategic transition.”

Guwor noted that he had formally received 22 letters of defection, including his own, notifying the House of the change in party affiliation. He attributed the lawmakers’ exit from the PDP to the internal crisis rocking the party at both the national and South-South zonal levels.

Following the announcement, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion to adopt the letters of defection, which was unanimously approved through a voice vote. The motion was seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo (APC-Isoko South II).

Speaking to journalists after the plenary, Nwaobi reaffirmed that the lawmakers’ defection was driven by the PDP’s instability and factional crisis.

“In light of the divisions at the national and zonal levels of the PDP, we deemed it necessary to move to the ruling APC, in accordance with the law,” he said.

With this development, the APC now holds all 29 seats in the Delta State House of Assembly.