Umukoro Oghenevwarhe Innocent, an aspirant for the Delta State House of Assembly seat in Ughelli North Constituency II, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Umukoro, a native of Uwheru town, announced his resignation on May 10, 2026, in a letter to the APC Ward 9 chairman in Ughelli North Local Government Area. In it, he accused party leaders and the state governor Sheriff Oborevwori, of denying aspirants a fair screening process, despite many spending millions of naira to purchase nomination forms.
“I am resigning because the party refused to allow a democratic process for all candidates,” Umukoro stated in the letter.
“The so-called leaders selected candidates to be screened without giving party members a fair opportunity to choose through a proper primary process.”
Umukoro, had earlier appealed publicly for transparent primaries ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that exclusions could weaken party unity and electoral chances. He claimed the APC imposed candidates, ignoring calls for internal democracy.
Accompanied by hundreds of supporters, Umukoro, was formally received by NDC Ward 9 leaders after registering. Observers say the move could shift political dynamics in Ughelli North Constituency II, where he aims to contest the assembly seat currently held by a lawmaker from his home community.