Former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei has resigned from the All Progressives Congress, saying he will continue his political journey elsewhere.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ochei said the decision followed deep reflection and wide consultations. He described it as difficult but necessary for the growth of his political convictions.
Ochei joined the APC in 2016 and spent the last decade building the party across Delta State. He said he worked with loyalists to expand its reach, deepen its structures and mobilize support in communities long before many of the current officeholders joined.
“I leave the party proud of the progress we made together,” he said. “We nurtured relationships, built bridges, encouraged youth and women’s participation, and contributed to democratic growth in our state and beyond.”
He stressed that his exit was not borne out of bitterness or hostility. Instead, he said leadership must evolve to reflect inclusion, fairness and the aspirations of the people.
Ochei thanked supporters, leaders and stakeholders who stood with him and urged them to remain peaceful and focused on democratic ideals.
He closed by wishing God’s blessings on Delta State and Nigeria as he moves to chart a new course.
The full text of the statement is reproduced in extenso here under:
EXIT STATEMENT BY RT. HON. VICTOR OCHEI
My dear political associates, supporters, friends, and the good people of Delta State,
After deep reflections and wide consultations, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to formally resign my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and move on to continue my political journey elsewhere.
In 2016, I joined the All Progressives Congress with sincerity of purpose and a strong belief in the vision and future of the party. Over the last ten years, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to building and strengthening the APC at all levels. Together with many committed party faithfuls, we expanded the party’s reach, deepened its structures, mobilized support across communities, and worked tirelessly to give the party relevance and visibility within our political environment. Long before many who currently occupy positions within the party joined the political family they now belong to, I had already committed myself to the ideals of leadership, service, grassroots development, and the pursuit of a better society for our people.
I leave the party proud of the progress we made together. We nurtured relationships, built bridges across divides, encouraged participation among the youth and women, and contributed meaningfully to democratic growth and political engagement within our state and beyond.
However, growth remains a constant necessity in every institution, political movement and human endeavour. Leadership must continually evolve to reflect inclusion, mutual respect, fairness, and the aspirations of the people. It is in recognition of this need for broader growth and the continuation of my political convictions that I have chosen to chart a new course.
This decision is not borne out of bitterness, resentment, or hostility toward anyone. Rather, it is inspired by my enduring commitment to service, progress, and the political future I envision for our people.
I remain grateful to the many loyal supporters, leaders, stakeholders, and party members who stood with me throughout this journey. Your friendship, trust, and dedication will always be appreciated and remembered.
As I move forward to continue my political journey from the APC, I do so with hope, renewed determination, and faith in the future. I urge all my supporters and associates to remain peaceful, focused, and committed to the democratic ideals we all share.
May God continue to bless Delta State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Rt. Hon.(Engr.) Victor O. Ochei (Esq)
