Former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, on Sunday formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) declaring his ambition to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat, a move that has reshaped the political landscape of the district ahead of the next general elections.
Prof. Muoboghare was received into the party at a colourful ceremony held in Uwheru Ward, Ughelli North Local Government Area, which attracted party leaders from across, youths, women groups, and a large crowd of supporters. The event also witnessed a steady stream of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former commissioner, who served three terms in the Delta State Executive Council, said his decision to leave the PDP was borne out of what he described as the total collapse of leadership and structure within the party.
“When I spoke in the past, the PDP was alive; the ship was still afloat,” Muoboghare said. “Today, that ship has sunk completely. I survived the wreck, and it would be foolish for me to return to a structure that no longer exists.”
Declaring his intention to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC, Muoboghare said the party offered the organisational strength and internal clarity required for credible political competition.
“I am here today not just to join the APC, but to declare my intention to seek the ticket of this party for the Delta Central Senate seat,” he stated. “A serious ambition requires a serious party with clear leadership, clear authority, and a functional structure.”
Muoboghare criticised the persistent leadership disputes in his former party, arguing that the absence of recognised national officers had made the PDP unsuitable for any serious electoral contest.
“Who is the national chairman? Who is the national secretary? There are several factions. If a nomination form is issued today, who will sign it without the risk of court action tomorrow?” he asked.
Welcoming him into the party, Delta State Chairman of the APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, described Muoboghare as a valuable addition whose experience and intellect would strengthen the party’s chances in Delta Central.
“Professor Muoboghare brings capacity, credibility, and experience into our party. From today, he has the same rights and responsibilities as any founding member of the APC,” Sobotie said.
On his part, Chairman of APC Ughelli North, Mr. Samuel Evighoyowhi, said Muoboghare’s defection was a major boost to the party.
“We are not just receiving a new member; we are receiving a strong political force. His entry significantly improves our chances in the Delta Central Senate election,” Evighoyowhi said.
He disclosed that the APC was already recording an unprecedented wave of defections across the local government.
“This movement has started, and it will continue. People are joining because they see fairness, unity, and purposeful leadership in the APC,” he added.
Also speaking, Chief Simeon Owhofa, a founding member of the APC and leader in Uwheru Ward, described the occasion as historic, recalling the party’s years in opposition in Ughelli North.
“We started APC here in 2013 and worked through very difficult times. To now receive Professor Muoboghare—not as an opponent but as an ally—is a big moment for us,” Owhofa said.
He was emphatic about the fate of the opposition party in the area.
“The PDP is dead nationally, and here in Uwheru, it is buried. APC is now firmly in control, and we will deliver victories across the board,” he declared.