The Political Shift in Delta State: What Does It Mean for Young Politicians and the Youth? (OPINION)
By Chuks Ododo
The recent collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) structure into the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State is more than a political headline It is the end of an era and a defining moment that will shape the political landscape for years to come, particularly for young politicians and aspiring youth leaders across the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his cabinet, stakeholders from senatorial districts, local government, wards, and even representatives at the national level, has led what is arguably one of the most significant political defections in Delta’s democratic history. The entire PDP structure, which has held sway in the state since 1999, has now been absorbed into the ruling APC. The justification offered is familiar: aligning with the centre to attract development and greater attention from Abuja. But behind the rhetoric lies a deeper concern: what does this shift truly mean for the youth who have faithfully stood by their party through every campaign cycle? Despite the promises or potentials beneath the surface of political realignment but the truth behind these moves remains unknown to many young politicians and aspiring leaders have yet to confront.
For years, young people have been the lifeblood of party politics, mobilising communities, running door-to-door campaigns, designing slogans, and defending their party’s legacy online and offline. In return, they’ve been told to remain loyal, to be patient, that their time will come. But with this sudden merger, the waiting line has not only grown longer, it has grown more uncertain. The old APC, which has nurtured its own set of loyalists over the years, will not give up its structure or influence without a fight. The new APC, composed of former PDP members, must now negotiate space within an already crowded room. The result is that many young people from both blocs will have to continue waiting, only now, they’re jostling for attention in a more complex and competitive field.
“If a family of five struggles to eat two square meals a day, what happens when that same family suddenly increases to forty?” This analogy captures the current dilemma facing young politicians in Delta State. Many of them haven’t understood or realised that this political merger may not bring them closer to the opportunities they seek. It might push them further down the line, lost in a sea of competing interests and recycled elites. Under the new merger, the queue has become longer and complex, while the space has become more crowded. Many loyal youths and young politicians risk becoming politically invisible, and they have to renegotiate their positions from scratch.
Interestingly, smart and young intelligent politicians, who know their onions, shouldn’t have followed the mass defection. But remain in the PDP, not out of stubbornness, but to be strategic and stay to rebuild. Because there is potential in rebuilding a fallen house. History has shown that every ruling party eventually faces discontent, and when that time comes, those who stayed behind to nurture an alternative will be ready to rise. For these forward-thinking youths, it would have been better to stay behind, not as a retreat, but as a calculated decision to reposition themselves to lead and build the future.
The political leaders who championed the defection argue that the move will attract more development. They believe that aligning with the federal government will unlock resources and opportunities that Delta has long been denied. But one must ask: what evidence is there from other APC-controlled states to suggest that this connection brings real, measurable change? Have these states become models of development because of their proximity to Abuja, or are they struggling with the same systemic issues?
Delta’s youth must begin to ask tough questions, not just follow political tides. This is not just about party colours or slogans, it is about their future, their visibility, and their voice in governance. The truth is that many of them were already waiting for recognition. Now, with the party queue doubled in size, their wait may be indefinite. And while party leaders proclaim that this is in the best interest of the state, only time will reveal whether that interest is collective or selective.
At this critical juncture, Delta’s young people must think critically and act strategically. Don’t be swept by the crowd or slogans. Ask: Where are the opportunities? Who is opening the door for youth leadership? Where can their voice be heard and counted? In politics, timing is everything. But clarity is power. While some youth will find themselves buried under the weight of an expanded APC queue, others will quietly rise through the cracks, organising, leading, and preparing for the next turn of the wheel.
For now, the umbrellas have been folded and handed over. Whether they were discarded too soon, just before the rain, is a question only time can answer. But one thing is certain: smart, strategic youth who understand the long game will focus on charting their own paths. They know that politics is not always about following the crowd. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to stand still and build.
I charge the Youths to see the end of PDP’s reign in Delta as an opportunity to rebuild, reposition, and grow politically without being lost in the crowd. History has shown that parties in power can become complacent. If the new APC leadership fails to meet expectations, an alternative voice will be necessary. The rebuilding PDP may offer exactly that space, especially for the young and ambitious.
