Dr. Austin Orette, a Family Medicine Physician based in Texas, has officially joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Orette, who was a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a senatorial aspirant for Delta South, announced his defection in Lagos on Tuesday. He accused the APC of sidelining founding members in Delta State, claiming the party favours the incumbent for the Delta South senatorial seat. "The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the incumbent to hold on," Orette said. He described internal party processes in the APC as undemocratic, citing the marginalisation of key members who helped establish the party in the state. Orette stated that his decision to join the NDC was driven by a desire to support a party that values inclusivity and democratic principles. He expressed confidence that the NDC offers a viable alternative for Nigerians seeking genuine representation.
A founding APC member walking out over internal rigging isn't news—it's routine. Orette's defection underscores how the APC in Delta State treats early builders as disposable. When party structures consistently erase contributors, ambition becomes a liability. This shift changes nothing unless the NDC can prove it won't replicate the same playbook.
