A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Victor Ochei, has officially announced his resignation from the ruling party.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that Ochei’s exit comes barely 24 hours after former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, also distanced himself from the APC following the party’s recent internal realignments in Delta State.
Omo-Agege, who recently lost his bid to return to the Senate after being defeated by Senator Ede Dafinone during the APC primaries, did not publicly disclose the reasons behind his decision to step away from the party.
However, sources within the APC who spoke with ENigeria Newspaper revealed that the political structure of the party in Delta State has undergone major changes since Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected to the APC and subsequently assumed significant control of the party machinery in the state.
Unlike Omo-Agege, Victor Ochei openly highlighted some of the grievances that informed his decision to quit the party.
In a statement personally signed by the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei cited concerns over the direction of the party, internal disagreements, and developments within the APC structure in Delta State.
Although he stopped short of unveiling his next political destination, political observers believe his resignation could further deepen the growing cracks within the Delta APC ahead of future political contests.
His departure adds to the increasing wave of political uncertainty currently surrounding the party in the state following the recent primaries and leadership reshuffling.
EXIT STATEMENT BY RT. HON. VICTOR OCHEI
My dear political associates, supporters, friends, and the good people of Delta State,
After deep reflections and wide consultations, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and move on to continue my political journey elsewhere.
In 2016, I joined the All Progressives Congress with sincerity of purpose and a strong belief in the vision and future of the party. Over the last ten years, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to building and strengthening the APC at all levels. Together with many committed party faithfuls, we expanded the party’s reach, deepened its structures, mobilized support across communities, and worked tirelessly to give the party relevance and visibility within our political environment. Long before many who currently occupy positions within the party joined the political family they now belong to, I had already committed myself to the ideals of leadership, service, grassroots development, and the pursuit of a better society for our people.
I leave the party proud of the progress we made together. We nurtured relationships, built bridges across divides, encouraged participation among the youth and women, and contributed meaningfully to democratic growth and political engagement within our state and beyond.
However, growth remains a constant necessity in every institution, political movement and human endeavour. Leadership must continually evolve to reflect inclusion, mutual respect, fairness, and the aspirations of the people. It is in recognition of this need for broader growth and the continuation of my political convictions that I have chosen to chart a new course.
This decision is not borne out of bitterness, resentment, or hostility toward anyone. Rather, it is inspired by my enduring commitment to service, progress, and the political future I envision for our people.
I remain grateful to the many loyal supporters, leaders, stakeholders, and party members who stood with me throughout this journey. Your friendship, trust, and dedication will always be appreciated and remembered.
As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future. I urge all my supporters and associates to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the democratic ideals we all share.
May God continue to bless Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon.(Engr.) Victor O. Ochei (Esq)
ENigeria Newspaper is monitoring the political situation in Delta State and would keep you apprized.
