Shock In Delta APC As Ex- Speaker Victor Ochei Quits Party

Victor Ochei, former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing an end to a decade-long relationship with the ruling party.

Ochei announced his decision in a personally signed statement on Thursday, saying the move followed “deep reflections and wide consultations”.

The former lawmaker said he was leaving the APC to “continue my political journey elsewhere,” while insisting that his decision was not driven by bitterness or personal grievances.

“After deep reflections and wide consultations, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and move on to continue my political journey elsewhere,” he said.

Ochei joined the APC in 2016 after years in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had built a strong political profile in Delta State. A trained engineer and lawyer, he served as speaker of the Delta assembly from 2011 to 2015 and has remained one of the notable political figures from the state.

In his resignation statement, Ochei reflected on his years in the APC, saying he committed himself fully to building the party’s structures and expanding its influence across Delta.
“In 2016, I joined the All Progressives Congress with sincerity of purpose and a strong belief in the vision and future of the party,” he said.

“Over the last ten years, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to building and strengthening the APC at all levels,” he further declared.

He added that alongside “committed party faithfuls”, he helped deepen the party’s grassroots structures, mobilise support, and improve its visibility within the state.

“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 revealed, further explaining “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.”

The former speaker also used the statement to advocate what he described as the need for political growth, inclusion, fairness, and evolving leadership within institutions and political movements.

“Leadership must continually evolve to reflect inclusion, mutual respect, fairness, and the aspirations of the people,” he pointed out, insisting “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.”

Despite his exit, Ochei maintained a conciliatory tone towards the APC and its members, saying he remained grateful to party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders who stood by him over the years.

“This decision is not borne out of bitterness, resentment, or hostility toward anyone,” Ochei asserted, adding “Rather, it is inspired by my enduring commitment to service, progress, and the political future I envision for our people.”

He also urged his supporters to remain peaceful and committed to democratic ideals as he begins a new political phase.

“As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future,” the former speaker said , continuing “I urge all my supporters and associates to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the democratic ideals we all share.”

Ochei’s resignation is expected to trigger fresh political conversations within Delta APC, especially as political actors across the state continue to position ahead of future electoral contests.