May 28 (THEWILL) — Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Victor Ochei, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), signalling a major political shift in Delta State amid strong indications that he may be heading to the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).
Ochei, who is also the President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, announced his resignation in a personally signed exit statement issued on Thursday, bringing to an end his decade-long membership of the APC.
The former Speaker said the decision followed “deep reflections and wide consultations,” stressing that he was leaving the ruling party to continue his political journey elsewhere.
His exit is already generating political ripples within the Delta APC, particularly in Delta North where he commands significant grassroots influence and political structures.
Sources familiar with ongoing political consultations told THEWILL that Ochei is weighing a possible bid for the Delta North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move that could reshape the political calculations within the district.
The development has also fuelled speculations over his reported alignment with the National Democratic Coalition (NDC), one of the emerging political platforms attracting politicians seeking alternative structures ahead of 2027.
“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,” Ochei stated.
He said he played an active role in expanding the party’s reach across communities, mobilising grassroots support and encouraging political participation among youths and women.
The former lawmaker also hinted at dissatisfaction with the evolving leadership culture within the party, saying political institutions must embrace inclusion, fairness, mutual respect, and the aspirations of the people.
“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,” he added.
Despite his departure, Ochei maintained a measured tone, insisting that his resignation was not driven by bitterness or hostility.
“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,” he stated.
He thanked party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders who stood by him during his stay in the APC and urged his loyalists to remain peaceful and committed to democratic values.
“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 said.
Ochei’s resignation followed closely behind the resignation of former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, from the APC in Delta State.
Omo-Agege announced his resignation in a statement dated May 22, 2026, signed by his media adviser, Sunday Areh, stating that the decision took immediate effect.
According to the statement, the former Deputy Senate President had formally communicated his resignation to the APC Chairman of Orogun Ward 2 in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The former senator attributed his exit to recent political developments within the APC in Delta State and consultations with his political associates and supporters.
“After reviewing recent developments in the party in Delta State and consulting with my associates and supporters, it is clear my political objectives and those of my constituents are better served outside the APC,” Omo-Agege stated.
He further declared that he could not remain in a political environment where he would be unable to advance the interests of the Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, and Nigeria.
“I will not remain a sitting duck in a party where I cannot advance the interests of Delta Central, Delta State, and Nigeria,” he added.
Omo-Agege thanked the APC for providing him the platform to serve as Deputy President of the 9th Senate between 2019 and 2023 and requested that his name be removed from all party records and communication platforms.
Although he has yet to publicly disclose his next political platform, his resignation, alongside Ochei’s exit, is expected to intensify political realignments within Delta State as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
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