ASABA — The political landscape of Delta State has been hit by a major tremor ahead of the 2027 general elections as a foundational leader and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, Esq., has officially resigned his membership from the All Progressives Congress (APC). The legal practitioner and veteran politician announced his sudden exit in a formal resignation letter transmitted to the party’s leadership, triggering intense speculation across the Niger Delta region regarding his next political destination.
Ochei’s departure from the main national ruling party marks a significant turning point in the internal power dynamics of the Delta State APC chapter. While the former top lawmaker explicitly stated that he is moving on to continue his political journey, his resignation letter remained entirely silent on whether he intends to defect to the state's ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), align with a rapidly surging third-force opposition coalition, or temporarily remain independent as he weighs his strategic options before the 2027 polls.
In the meticulously worded resignation letter addressed to his political associates, loyal supporters, and the general public, Ochei emphasized that his decision was reached after an extensive period of deep personal reflection and wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders across the various local government areas of the state. He recalled his entry into the APC back in 2016, noting that he joined the movement with absolute sincerity of purpose and a profound belief in the progressive vision and future that the party originally promised the Nigerian electorate.
A central theme of Ochei’s exit document was his deep investment in the party's institutional growth over the past decade. The former speaker pointedly reminded the current leadership that he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to building, funding, and strengthening the APC at the grassroots, local government, and state levels for ten consecutive years. He noted that alongside a core group of dedicated party faithful, he had worked under highly challenging political environments to expand the party's reach, deepen its operational structures, and mobilize vital community support to give the APC actual electoral relevance and visibility in a state traditionally dominated by rivals.
In a sharp, thinly veiled critique of the current administrative hierarchy governing the party, the former speaker made it clear that his commitment to the progressive political family predates the arrival of many individuals who currently occupy sensitive executive positions within the party's structure.
“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,” Ochei boldly asserted in his letter.
Despite the underlying friction, the legal practitioner stated that he is leaving the APC with a sense of pride regarding the institutional progress made during his decade-long tenure. He highlighted his personal contributions toward nurturing valuable political relationships, building durable bridges across complex ethnic and regional divides within Delta State, actively encouraging the political participation of women and youth demographics, and contributing meaningfully to the broader democratic growth and political engagement of the state.
However, Ochei hinted at systemic flaws within the current framework of the APC that ultimately made his continued membership untenable. He argued that institutional growth requires leadership to continually evolve in a manner that reflects genuine inclusion, mutual respect, absolute fairness, and the authentic aspirations of the everyday populace. The decision to chart a completely new political course, he explained, was born out of a direct recognition of the need for broader personal growth and the uncompromised continuation of his core political convictions.
Attempting to manage the fallout of his exit and prevent a chaotic escalation of political tension among his massive grassroots followership, Ochei clarified that his resignation was not driven by personal bitterness, internal resentment, or active hostility toward any individual leader or faction within the Delta State APC.
“Rather, it is inspired by my enduring commitment to service, progress, and the political future I envision for our people,” Ochei wrote. “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.”
The former speaker concluded his address by urging his extensive network of political associates and supporters across Delta State to remain completely peaceful, highly focused, and deeply committed to their shared democratic ideals as he prepares to unveil his next tactical move.
Political analysts monitoring the region suggest that Ochei's exit is a massive blow to the APC's ambition to capture Delta State in 2027. As a highly charismatic former speaker with deep financial resources and an expansive grassroots mobilization network, his departure deflates the party's local strength. With the general elections drawing closer, his next move will undoubtedly reshape the competitive balance of power across the state's political zones.
