By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Former two-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Dr. Michael Tidi, has formally defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defection ceremony, held at Rice Farm near Esisi Bridge, Warri, drew a large crowd of supporters and party faithful, marking one of the most notable political movements in Warri South in recent times.
Tidi, who also served as immediate past State Secretary of the PDP Delta State Caretaker Committee, led hundreds of loyalists into the APC fold.
Addressing party leaders and supporters at the event, Tidi described his move as both strategic and deeply personal.
He stressed that electoral success is determined at the grassroots level rather than by influence or material display.
“Elections are won and lost at the polling unit level,” he declared. “Victory comes from the commitment and mercy of grassroots people, not from status symbols.”
Tidi said his continued stay in the PDP had become untenable, describing his defection as a return to his political roots. According to him, long-standing alliances and family ties within the APC made his former party affiliation inconsistent with his convictions.
“A man should be known for where he stands,” he said, adding that his decision reflected clarity of purpose rather than convenience.
He assured APC leaders that his entrance into the party was not aimed at fostering unhealthy rivalry but at strengthening the party’s structure in Warri South. “We have come to add value and build together,” he stated, pledging collaboration with both established leaders and new members.
The former council chairman commended the Warri South APC leadership for promoting inclusiveness and reconciliation, noting that such an approach encourages unity and growth.
He also called for the seamless integration of his supporters, especially at ward and grassroots levels, emphasizing that political participation must extend beyond elite circles.
“Our grassroots supporters must feel secure and properly integrated,” he said. “That is essential for cohesion and future success.”
Receiving him on behalf of the party, Delta South Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Mr. Austin Eribioye, described Tidi as an experienced political figure whose defection would strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
He disclosed that senior state leaders, including the Delta State APC Chairman, had been informed and welcomed the development.
Eribioye formally handed Tidi over to the Chairman of APC Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Richard Pessu, affirming that the former PDP chieftain was entitled to full rights and privileges as a party member.
In his remarks, Pessu characterized the defection as a strategic consolidation for the APC in Warri South. He assured new entrants of fairness and full participation in party affairs, adding that ward-level integration would be handled transparently to maintain internal harmony.
Also speaking, Chairman of Warri South Local Government, Comrade Isaac Agbateyiniro, described the development as a decisive political shift.
He argued that the exit of a high-ranking PDP state official signaled a weakening of opposition strength in the area and urged other opposition figures to reconsider their positions.
The rally, marked by repeated calls for unity, grassroots mobilization, and consolidation, underscored what observers see as a strengthening of the APC’s foothold in Warri South as political alignments continue to evolve.
