Ossai’s Defection Worsens Panic In Delta PDP Created By Ned Nwoko’s Resignation
Ossai’s Defection Worsens Panic Created By Nwoko’s Departure in Delta
Senator Ned Nwoko & Hon Ossai Ossai
Palpable apprehension, panic and concerns have enveloped Ndokwa/Ukwuani Constituency and Delta North District following the recent defection of two heavyweight political leaders in the district – Senator Ned Nwoko and Hon Ossai N Ossai – within one month. In the 2023 election that produced Ned Nwoko as the Senator representing Delta North district, he secured his highest chunk of votes from Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal constituency comprising Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani LGAs.
In the same Ndokwa/Ukwuani constituency, Hon Ossai Ossai who served three unprecedented consecutive terms as the Honourable Member representing the Constituency in the House of Representatives, is clearly the most successful and popular elected official in Ndokwaland.
Why Hon Ossai’s Successful Tenure in the House
Hon Ossai Ossai in the Green Chambers
In a bold move that is bound to reshape Ndokwa and Delta State’s political landscape, Hon. Ossai officially defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), ending his long-standing association with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hon Ossai’s decision was made public during a ‘mini celebration’ held at his country home in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, on Thursday February 20, 2025. The seasoned lawmaker, who has been a prominent PDP figure for decades, previously served as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Ndokwa West State Constituency before moving to the House of Representatives, where he represented Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency gloriously between 2011 and 2023.
The former ranking federal lawmaker cited the need to align with a party he believes would serve his constituents better as the reason for his defection. He firmly believes that being in the APC would place him in better stead to serve his constituents, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole.
During his tenure in the National Assembly, Hon Ossai held key leadership positions, including Chairman of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges in the 8th Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements in the 9th Assembly.
Hon Ossai’s Unfair Treatment By a ‘System’ that Relegates Competence
Hon Ossai Ossai robbed by the ‘system’
There is no doubt that Hon Ossai is well loved by his constituents and would indeed have still been in the Green Chambers but for the plot against his deserved return by forces loyal to the immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa. The former governor presides over a shadowy system that has been accused of placing loyalty above competence and merit. It was that system that sacrificed Hon Ossai, one of the most productive and cerebral lawmakers in the House of Representatives, for a rookie whose presence has hardly been felt at the National Assembly over the past two years.
Hon Ossai’s flourishing political career took a sudden nose-dive when he was rudely blocked from securing a deserved return ticket in the stage-managed 2022 PDP primary elections. His loss to an unfledged and little known opponent typifies an ugly fallout of internal party politics allegedly driven by the then incumbent Governor and his loyalists who still hold sway in the state.
Hon Ossai’s Reasons for Defecting
In his resignation statement, Hon Ossai expressed deep dissatisfaction with the direction of the PDP, describing it as “rudderless, cantankerous, envious, and lacking vision.”
He stated: “After deep reflection and wide consultations with my family, political leaders, supporters, and associates, I have decided to resign from the PDP and heed the patriotic call to join the largest progressive family in Africa, the APC.”
Hon Ossai emphasized that his move was driven by a commitment to good governance and national development.
“I entered politics to work for positive change, to uplift the voiceless, and to attract development to Ndokwa, Delta State, and Nigeria. I believe in sustainable progress that will impact generations to come,” he said.
Widely regarded for his deep understanding of legislative processes, Hon Ossai was often referred to as a “Legislative Institution” by his colleagues due to his expertise in parliamentary procedures and policymaking.
Despite what he describes as political sabotage within the PDP, he remains steadfast in his vision for development and service to the people of Ndokwa, Anioma, Delta State and Nigeria.
Hon Ossai said his new political home in the APC was an avenue to further his advocacy for the Ndokwa people and to contribute to national progress under the Renewed Hope Administration.
“Political parties are not just platforms for power; they are institutions that shape national development,” he asserted.
Last Thursday as he made the decisive move, Hon Ossai, an ordained pastor, explained that his defection was motivated by a desire to bring meaningful development to the people of Ndokwa nation, adding that the APC offers the best platform to achieve his vision.
“I am excited to join the APC, a party that shares my vision for a better Nigeria,” he said. “I am confident that with the support of the APC, we can achieve great things for the people of Ndokwa nation.”
His move is expected to strengthen the APC’s influence in Delta State as the party prepares for upcoming elections to rescue from the vice grip of a dynasty and system that have stultified its development despite humungous resource allocations and generation. He is confident that his deep-rooted connection with his people of Ndokwa nation and Delta North would significantly boost the party’s electoral fortunes.
Ned Nwoko and Ossai Synergy and Okpai IPP, Anioma State
APC National Chairman, Umar Ganduje and Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo raise Senator Nwoko’s hands as he is welcomed into the APC
Hon Ossai also seized the opportunity of declaration to recall his involvement in the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) project, revealing that he had personally invested substantial resources into its execution. He stated that Senator Ned Nwoko had engaged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the project’s completion, which remains a top priority for the APC.
“APC will give us our own state, which is Anioma State. I initiated the IPP project at Okpai and spent a huge amount of money on it. I wanted to earn the credit of starting and finishing it. But Ned Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North, is coming to complete it,” he said.
Ossai, A Leader with Wealth of Experience and Passion
According to him, Senator Nwoko has assured that President Tinubu is committed to ensuring the project’s successful completion, as it holds immense economic potential for the region.
Welcoming Ossai into the party, the APC’s Ndokwa West LGA Chairman, Chief Gregory Dike Onah, described his defection as a major boost for the party.
“We are thrilled to have Rt. Hon. Ossai join our party. His wealth of experience and passion for development will be a valuable asset to our party and the people of Ndokwa nation,” Onah said.
Hon Ossai’s defection follows his formal resignation from the PDP, which he submitted in a letter dated February 8, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward I in Ndokwa West LGA. The letter, which has since gone public, stated:
“Please accept this letter as a formal notice of my resignation as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ward I, Ndokwa West L.G.A., Delta State, effective today, 8th February, 2025. Thank you. Best regards.”
His resignation was officially acknowledged by PDP Ward Chairman Famous E. Isicheli, confirming receipt.
With this latest political realignment, Delta State’s political equation is set for a new dynamic, as Hon Ossai’s influence and grassroots appeal could reshape the APC’s fortunes in the region.
Delta State and Anioma district in particular has been witnessing a gale of defections since the defection of Senator Nwoko early this month. The trend has been creating panic and apprehension within the ruling the ruling PDP in the state.
