Former governor of Delta State, Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has dumped All Progressives Congress (APC) and returned to  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Uduaghan returned to PDP on Monday at his Unit 1, Ward 6, Abigborodo in Warri North local government area of the state.

APC, earlier this month, lost its last state in the region, Edo, to PDP.

The former governor, who is a founding member of PDP, in August 2018 defected to APC and contested for Delta South Senatorial slot in the 2019 election, but lost to Mr James Manager, his PDP rival.

He was the state governor for eight years under the platform of PDP.

Thousands of supporters cheered his return to PDP at his country home in Warri North LGA.

Addressing the crowd, Uduaghan said he returned to the party to strengthen it.

“I only stepped out for a few days to find out what is happening there and I have come back to strengthen the party. Today, I have come to reactivate my membership card. I have picked it up.

“I am hearing that there are a few challenges, we have the manpower, the experience to be able to elevate our area and the people of Delta State, and that we shall do.

“We will get our own of whatever is due to us by God’s grace. We will get what is due to us. I am sure there is very little I don’t know about this state. I promise you that collectively, as we are standing here now, we shall sit as often as possible and articulate our issue.”

Stating that the nation is currently facing hard times, he noted that President Muhammadu Buhari is “doing his best.”

He also commended Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State governor, for his efforts in holding the party together since he emerged leader of the party in the state.

“I want to thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who has been holding every part of the state since he became governor. It is not easy. I want to urge all of us to continue to pray for him so that he can complete his tenure,” Uduaghan said

Top party leaders welcomed Uduaghan back to the PDP. These include Mr Thomas Ereyitomi, member of the House of Representatives; Mr Val Areyinka, deputy state chairman of PDP; Mr Vincent Uduaghan and Omashola Williams, former commissioners in the state, among others.

PT