The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State received a significant boost on Wednesday when prominent youth leader Comrade Ovie Umuakpo, former National President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA), officially defected to the party along with more than 1,000 supporters.
The event, held on February 4 in Ovrode, Isoko North Local Government Area, drew a large gathering including senior government officials, party executives, and community leaders who welcomed Umuakpo and his followers into the APC fold. This move has been viewed by political observers as a key realignment strengthening the party's grassroots presence in the Isoko region and beyond.
Key figures present included Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, and APC Chairman of Ellu/Aradhe/Ovrode Ward 3, Chief Patrick Ferife, among other local stakeholders.
In his declaration, Comrade Umuakpo—who serves as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Education Monitoring—cited his loyalty to Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the driving force behind his decision. He expressed strong confidence in the governor's leadership and the MORE Agenda (Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security), which he praised for promoting inclusive growth, peace, and sustainable progress across the state.
Umuakpo emphasized his alignment with the governor's political stance, describing Oborevwori as a visionary, fair, and detribalized leader dedicated to equitable development. He called on residents of Ellu, Aradhe, Ovrode wards, and Deltans statewide to rally behind the governor and support unified efforts for continued advancement.
Welcoming the defectors, Commissioner Onojaeme described the move as wise and timely, assuring Umuakpo and his supporters of complete integration into the party without discrimination. "As you join us today, you are already considered old members," he stated, highlighting the APC's inclusive approach since its own earlier expansions in the state. He stressed equal opportunities for all members, regardless of joining date.
Onojaeme further commended Governor Oborevwori's focused, fair, and boundary-transcending leadership, pointing to widespread infrastructure projects—including the recent Uromi Junction flyover groundbreaking in Agbor by Julius Berger and earlier commissions in Warri—as proof of balanced, people-centered governance.
He urged party members to prioritize unity, discipline, and respect, discouraging divisive language or criticism of leaders, and instead advocating constructive dialogue to sustain harmony and collective progress.
This high-profile defection, bringing a substantial youth and community base, is regarded as a strategic win for the APC in Isoko North and Delta State overall. It bolsters the Governor Oborevwori's administration as political preparations intensify.
