By Paul Effiong, Abuja
A former House of Representatives member, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Honourable Ossai Nicholas Ossai, has officially left the PDP and joined the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ossai, who represented Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State from 2011 to 2023, cited the need to align with a party he believes is better positioned to serve his constituents, the state, and Nigeria at large.
During his days in the National Assembly, Ossai, held various key leadership positions, including Chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges in the 8th Assembly as well as the Chairman, Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements in the immediate past 9th Assembly.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the former lawmaker’s political career had faced a major setback when he was blocked from securing a return ticket in the 2022 PDP primary elections—an outcome he attributes to internal party politics allegedly driven by former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other influential stakeholders.
In his resignation statement, 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.”
As a grassroots political heavyweight, Ossai has built and sustained several influential political organisations over the past two decades, making him a formidable force in Ndokwa politics.
His joining the APC is expected to bolster the party’s influence in Delta State, particularly in Ndokwa.
Ossai, emphasised 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, 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.
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 stated.
