Ochei, Delta former speaker leaves APC a day after Omo-Agege’s exit

Victor Ochei, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ten years after joining the party.

Ochei’s resignation came a day after the exit of the Ovie Omo-Agege, former deputy speaker of the Nigerian Senate and the then member representing Delta Central District in the National Assembly.

Ochei who many had recently called on to contest for the APC Delta North Senatorial Primary Election, or the State Governorship Primary Election was yet to respond to their calls when the elections were concluded with the winners and losers announced.

After the APC primaries, some stakeholders and supporters sustained their calls, asking him to decamp to other parties to pursue his political ambition.

The exit of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege on Wednesday, followed by the resignation of Rukevwe Ugwumba, his ally, same day, seemed to have convinced Ochei to resign, citing the need for broader political growth and continued commitment to service.

A statement by Austin Edemodu, his media aide, stated that Ochei announced his resignation in an exit statement issued after what he described as “deep reflections and wide consultations” with political associates and supporters.

The former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member, said he joined the APC in 2016 with sincerity and strong belief in the vision of the party, adding that he spent the last ten years contributing significantly to the growth and strengthening of the party at various 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,” he stated.

The former lawmaker noted that long before many current leaders in the party joined the APC, he had already dedicated himself to the ideals of leadership, grassroots development, and public service.

Ochei, former ED NIMASA, said he was leaving the party proud of the progress achieved through years of political engagement, youth inclusion, women participation, and democratic development.

He, however, stressed that leadership and political institutions must evolve to reflect fairness, inclusion, 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,” he said.

The former Speaker maintained that his decision was not borne out of bitterness or resentment toward anyone, but inspired by his enduring commitment to service and progress and the political future he envision for the people.

Ochei expressed gratitude to supporters, stakeholders, and party faithful who stood by him throughout his stay in the APC and urged his associates to remain peaceful and committed to democratic ideals.

“As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future,” he stated while praying for peace, unity, and progress in Delta State and Nigeria.

Ugwumba had while resigning expressed her concerns regarding the unfairness in distributing the dividends of democracy, which she said had denied recognition to those who labored to build the party. She highlighted the developments within the APC in Delta State, particularly the chaotic senate primaries that undermined the Urhobo people.

Photo: Victor Ochei, former speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.