By Abel Johngold Orheruata
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has suffered yet another political tremor as a key grassroots mobilizer, Hon. Tohan Okenyi, formally resigned from the party in Aniocha North Local Government Area. Okenyi, a dedicated party stalwart known for his unwavering commitment and service, cited poor leadership and internal divisions, especially at the national level, as the reasons for his departure.
Political observers predict that Tohan Okenyi’s resignation will have a significant impact on PDP’s influence across the Delta North senatorial district. His widely acclaimed OMIWA Foundation, which has been providing free medical services to the people of Delta North—a duty some argue the Delta State Government has neglected—has earned him widespread admiration and support.
Sources within the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, described his departure as a major blow, emphasizing that Okenyi’s grassroots appeal and philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in PDP’s stronghold in the region.
Investigations by Spade Nigeria News (www.spadenigeria.com) reveal that PDP has been experiencing an unsettling wave of resignations, particularly since the exit of Senator Ned Nwoko. Notable figures such as Chief (Amb.) Jude Ogbekile from Ika North East and Hon. (Mrs.) Colina Anazia, the immediate past Ika North East Local Government Vice Chairman, have also abandoned the party, citing concerns over leadership failure, neglect, and internal strife.
The departure of Tohan Okenyi is particularly alarming as it comes from Aniocha North LGA, one of the stronghold LGAs of former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. This latest defection, along with those of Chief Ogbekile and Hon. Anazia—both beneficiaries of PDP-led governance—raises further concerns about the party’s stability in the region.
Okenyi’s Resignation Letter and Future Plans
In his resignation letter addressed to the Ward 9 Chairman of PDP in Aniocha North LGA, Okenyi reiterated his decision to leave due to the party’s non-inclusive leadership style and internal conflicts.
“This is to convey the formal resignation of my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 9, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State. I served the party meritoriously and wish to call it a day with the Peoples Democratic Party due to its non-inclusive leadership style and division within the party,” he stated.
While Okenyi has yet to publicly declare his next political move, his departure adds to the growing uncertainty surrounding PDP’s dominance in Delta North. His ability to attract a large following makes him a valuable asset to any political platform he chooses to align with in the future.
As PDP grapples with this latest defection, the broader political landscape in Delta North continues to shift, with parties and politicians recalibrating in response to evolving public sentiment and internal power struggles.