Victor Ochei Dumps APC After Decade-Long Membership, Cites Need for “Broader Growth”
Victor Ochei Dumps APC After Decade-Long Membership, Cites Need for “Broader Growth”
Former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, has formally resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing to an end a decade-long political association with the ruling party.
In a strongly worded exit statement released on Thursday, Ochei said his decision followed “deep reflections and wide consultations,” adding that he would continue his political journey elsewhere.
The former lawmaker, who joined the APC in 2016, said he dedicated himself fully to building and strengthening the party across Delta State and beyond.
“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.
Ochei reflected on his role in promoting grassroots development, youth participation, and democratic engagement within the party, while expressing pride in the progress achieved during his time in the APC.
He, however, suggested that the party needed a more inclusive leadership structure that reflects “mutual respect, fairness, and the aspirations of the people.”
“Leadership must continually evolve to reflect inclusion, mutual respect, fairness, and the aspirations of the people,” he said, explaining that his departure was motivated by the need for “broader growth” and the continuation of his political convictions.
Despite his exit, Ochei insisted that his decision was not driven by bitterness or hostility toward any individual within the party.
“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 added.
The former Speaker also thanked party leaders, stakeholders, and loyal supporters who stood by him throughout his political journey in the APC.
As speculation mounts over his next political destination, Ochei urged his supporters to remain peaceful and committed to democratic ideals.
“I move forward with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future,” he said.
His resignation is expected to trigger fresh political calculations within Delta State’s evolving political landscape ahead of future elections.
Excerpt
“My dear political associates, supporters, friends, and the good people of Delta State,
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.
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. 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. 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.
I leave the party proud of the progress we made together. We nurtured relationships, built bridges across divides, encouraged participation among the youth and women, and contributed meaningfully to democratic growth and political engagement within our state and beyond.
However, 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. 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.
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.
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.
As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future. I urge all my supporters and associates to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the democratic ideals we all share.
May God continue to bless Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Rt. Hon.(Engr.) Victor O. Ochei (Esq)
