Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor Chief James Ibori, has explained why she defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawmaker, who represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, described her defection as the best political decision she has made.
Speaking at a constituency empowerment programme, where she distributed vehicles, motorcycles, sewing machines, and water pumps to her constituents, Ibori-Suenu expressed frustration with her former party.
“The PDP wanted to kill my political aspirations,” Ibori-Suenu said. “I have left the party, and I am now at home with the APC. The people in the PDP tried to stifle my ambitions, but thank God, I have finally moved on.”
Her comments marked a strong statement against the PDP, the party that she had been associated with for much of her political career.
Ibori-Suenu’s decision to switch parties has created ripples in Delta State’s political scene, where the PDP has traditionally been dominant.
She went on to make a bold statement, saying, “We will bury PDP in Ologbo River, the bridge between Delta and Edo States.” This remark was a clear indication of her commitment to the APC and her intent to shift the political dynamics in the state.
In her speech, Ibori-Suenu expressed immense gratitude to the APC and her supporters for their encouragement and support during this transition.
She thanked the leadership of the APC for welcoming her into the fold, noting that she had found a party that supported her vision for the people of Delta State.
“APC is supreme, and I am proud to be here,” Ibori-Suenu added. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my people in a new capacity, with a new party that shares my values.”
Ibori-Suenu’s defection is not just a personal decision; it represents a shift in Delta’s political landscape, particularly in Ethiope Federal Constituency, where she has significant influence.
Her move to the APC has been widely discussed, especially considering the political history of her family. Her father, James Ibori, is a key figure in Delta State politics and had been a strong supporter of the PDP for many years.
Her decision to leave the PDP was seen by some as a break from the past, signaling her desire to forge her own path and not be held back by party politics.
Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the immediate past Deputy Senate President and a prominent APC leader in Delta State, praised Ibori-Suenu’s defection, calling her a “political bulldozer.”
“Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is a political force to be reckoned with,” Senator Omo-Agege remarked. “Her defection to the APC will make a significant difference in the party’s fortunes in Delta State. With her energy and dedication, we are better positioned to take over Delta in 2027.”
Omo-Agege, who has been a strong advocate for the APC in Delta, expressed confidence that with Ibori-Suenu’s support, the party’s chances of winning the state’s governorship election in 2027 have greatly improved.
Her defection could indeed be a game-changer for the APC, which has struggled to gain a foothold in the state, where the PDP has enjoyed dominance for many years.
“Ibori-Suenu’s move sends a strong signal,” Omo-Agege continued. “It shows that the APC is gaining ground in Delta, and we are on the right path towards securing victory in the next election.”
The impact of Ibori-Suenu’s defection is already being felt in her constituency, where she remains a popular and influential figure. By aligning herself with the APC, she is not only strengthening her political base but also positioning herself as a key player in the party’s strategy for Delta State.
The APC is expected to leverage Ibori-Suenu’s influence and political experience to solidify its presence in the state and challenge the PDP’s dominance.
For Ibori-Suenu, this defection marks a turning point in her political career. Having previously been associated with the PDP, she now sees the APC as the party that will help her achieve her goals and better serve the people of Delta.
The empowerment programme she held, where she distributed valuable items to her constituents, underscored her commitment to improving the lives of the people in her area, regardless of party affiliation.
The shift in political allegiance also reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where defections between the two major parties, the PDP and APC, are increasingly common as politicians seek opportunities for influence and advancement.
As Ibori-Suenu continues to make her mark in the APC, the coming years will reveal whether her move will have the desired impact on Delta State’s political dynamics.
Her defection represents more than just a change of party; it’s a bold statement of intent and a challenge to the established political order in Delta and beyond.
