Nine key members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state have defected to the ruling party the All Progressive Congress (APC), Leadership reports.
The list comprises a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), three former members of the House of Representatives and a former commissioner.
Others include two erstwhile speakers of the state assembly, lawmakers, five former commissioners and others.
Here are the names of the defectors as follows:
Hon Mercy Almona Isei, former commissioner and three-time former member, House of Representatives
Hon Daniel Reyenieju, three-time House of Reps member Hon Olisa Imegwu, former member, House of Reps and former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
Hon Monday Igbuya, the immediate past speaker of the state legislature
Chief Judith Enamuotor – member BoT of the PDP and a former commissioner
Hon Timi Tonye, former commissioner and former member, Delta state assembly
Hon Evans Iwurie, former commissioner and former assembly member
Dr Karo Ilolo, former commissioner for urban renewal and youth development Chief
Pius Ovbije, former commissioner of DESOPADEC
The defection has come as a huge shock with barely five weeks into the 2023 general elections.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently suspended some members for anti-party activities.
Former Enugu state governor Chimaroke Nnamani is the biggest name among the suspended members.
And Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike has condemned the move made by the party and has asked for a proper handling of the matter in court.