WARRI — The political landscape of Warri South Local Government Area witnessed a seismic shift yesterday as a high-powered delegation of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts, led by the immediate past Executive Chairman, Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq., officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event, which many are calling the "Final Nail" for the opposition in the region, saw a massive influx of heavyweights into the "Progressive" fold. Joining Dr. Tidi in the move were two former Warri South LGA Councilors and the influential Chairman of the Itsekiri Community in Asaba, Comrade Raymond Ogholaja, along with hundreds of their loyal supporters.
A Major Blow to the PDP
The defection of Dr. Michael Tidi is particularly significant. Beyond his two-term tenure as the Chairman of Warri South LGA, Tidi served as the Secretary of the State Caretaker Committee of the PDP. His departure represents a massive drain of institutional knowledge and grassroots influence from his former party.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tidi, a legal practitioner and seasoned administrator, noted that his decision was based on a "critical assessment" of the current political climate. He stated that he felt "relaxed" to be reuniting with old political friends and leaders within the APC to contribute to a "beautiful story" of development for the state.
"The Final Major Defection" — Hon. Agbateyiniro
The current Executive Chairman of Warri South LGA, Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, was on hand to witness the occasion. In a powerful statement, Agbateyiniro tagged the event as the "final major official defection event" in the Local Government Area, suggesting that the APC has now effectively consolidated its hold on the political structure of Warri South.
He welcomed the new entrants, emphasizing that the party is now a "united family" ready to deliver the dividends of democracy without the distractions of internal friction.
Broad Support Across Communities
The defection of Comrade Raymond Ogholaja, Chairman of the Itsekiri Community in Asaba, adds a strategic layer to the move, signaling that the shift toward the APC is gaining momentum not just in Warri, but among the Itsekiri diaspora and leadership across Delta State.
The two former councilors also brought with them a significant portion of their ward structures, further hollowing out the PDP's grassroots presence in the local government.
What This Means for 2027
Political analysts suggest that with the exit of a former State Secretary and a former Council Boss, the APC has successfully repositioned itself as the dominant force in Warri South ahead of the next general elections. The atmosphere at the venue was electric, with the symbolic APC brooms waving high, signaling what many attendees called a "total sweep" of the old order.
The APC leadership in the state has hailed the move, promising to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Tidi and other defectors to ensure that the "Progressive" agenda reaches every corner of Warri.
Reported by WarriVoice News Room.
