Okowa Instructs Ex PDP Chairman, Esiso To Reconstitute Party Structure As PDP Defectors Face Serious Challenges

From Oke Adamudagha

The over rated and celebrated tsunami defection of the almighty Delta state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has eventually hit a brick wall following instructions by Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa to the former PDP state Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso to reclaim and reconstitute the defunct Delta PDP.

The Delta PDP party is seen not only in disarray but also in a battle to retraced their steps back to the defunct Peoples Democratic Party after the recent defection to the All Progressive Congress, APC, over fears of uncertainty and doubts of losing out totally.

It was reliably gathered Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has instructed ex-PDP State Chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, to swiftly reclaim the PDP’s structure across the state’s 25 local government areas amid growing fears of political isolation as plan B if they could not achieve their plans in APC.

It was learnt that despite Delta PDP public defection to the APC, many former PDP stalwarts have reportedly refused to register as APC members, a move confirming their real motives and true intentions.

In a calculated move to secure future influence, Okowa is said to be positioning Esiso as the APC’s Delta Central senatorial candidate for 2027. With Delta Central long known as an opposition stronghold, securing the PDP structure there is seen as crucial to that plan.

A highly respected PDP Chieftain and a close ally of Barr. Kingsley Esiso while in office, who spoke on the ground of anonymity from Abraka, confirmed that groundwork is already being laid to ensure Delta APC do not take them unaware stated this:

“Yes, Okowa has instructed Esiso to take back control of PDP structures statewide. We can’t leave things to chance. We’re reactivating our grassroots network as we speak.”

The source disclosed that Okowa’s original plan involved entrusting the PDP structure to Elder Emma Ogidi. However, escalating political tension and Ogidi’s advanced age have prompted a shift in strategy.

“With Ibori’s loyalists lurking and yet to make their intentions clear, leaving the party structure in limbo is too risky. We’re moving quickly to stabilise our base.”

He added that former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege still holds significant sway over APC ward and LGA structures, making it difficult for new defectors to gain a foothold.

“Omo-Agege won’t fold easily. Until there’s clarity on power-sharing within the APC, we’re keeping our options open.”

Meanwhile, discontent is simmering within the APC. The Chairman of APC in Ika South, Hon. Hilary Fada Ibude, revealed that a staggering 99.5% of PDP defectors have failed to register with the APC weeks after their dramatic defection.

“They made a big show of joining us, but only 0.5% have actually registered. Apart from the Delta Unity Group (DUG), most are still sitting on the fence,” he told journalists in Agbor.

Ibude warned that without formal registration, these defectors won’t be recognised as legitimate party members.

“If you’re not holding an APC membership card, you’re not part of this party. Registration is open to all, but seriousness must be proven — some may even need to surrender their former party ID cards.”

He stressed that while APC welcomes new members, no special treatment will be given:

“There are no guaranteed positions for newcomers. What we value is commitment. Only those ready to work will earn a place at the table.”

As 2027 draws closer, both the PDP and the APC appear to be locked in a high-stakes chess game, with loyalty, structure, and grassroots control as the key pieces on the board.