Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Announcing his decision, Hon. Aiguobarueghian, who represents Ovia North East 1 Constituency, said the move was made after wide consultations with political stakeholders and his constituents.

“At a time, a captain will not remain in a sinking ship… as we speak, the fatality of the PDP has been established,” he stated.

The defection was received by the National Leader of the NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, who formally welcomed the lawmaker and his supporters into the party.

“Welcome to our party. We welcome you to the party that is now there to salvage Nigeria,” Senator Dickson said.

Hon. Aiguobarueghian highlighted his legislative achievements while serving as Minority Leader, noting that he facilitated the passage of over 44 bills into law within a short period, along with several constituency projects.

The defection has generated significant attention online, with his post on X (formerly Twitter) garnering over 150,000 views. In the post, he wrote:

“I was mocked but today I am happy that I am received in a House where I don’t need to wear an occultic cap singing.”

Dr. Donald Eboigbe and other loyalists who defected alongside him expressed confidence in the new party.

“We believe the NDC party is a party that believes in the people and means well for the masses,” Dr. Eboigbe said.

The climax of the ceremony was the formal presentation of the NDC membership card to Hon. Aiguobarueghian by Senator Seriake Dickson, who urged him to “come and continue your good works here.”

The development adds to the growing wave of political defections to the NDC across the country ahead of future elections.