Popular Okrika-born philanthropist and grassroots politician, Hon. Desmond Stephen, has resigned from the National Democratic Congress, NDC, and joined the Action Democratic Party, ADP, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Stephen, who is contesting for Okrika Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, formally communicated his resignation from the NDC in a letter dated May 25, 2026.
In the letter, he thanked the leadership and members of the NDC for the experience and opportunities he received during his time with the party.
He explained that his decision followed careful consideration and was driven by his desire to pursue his political ambitions with renewed focus.
Stephen said his move to the ADP was also influenced by what he described as the party’s alignment with his vision for the development of Okrika.
The politician identified education, infrastructure, healthcare and the creation of economic opportunities as key areas he hopes to advance through political representation.
His emergence as an ADP candidate has generated attention across Okrika Constituency, particularly among supporters familiar with his community-based activities.
Stephen has built a public profile through philanthropic initiatives, youth empowerment programmes and advocacy focused on local development.
Supporters of the politician described his decision to leave the NDC as a significant political move, saying it could strengthen his campaign for the state assembly seat.
The development also adds another dimension to the political contest in Okrika ahead of the 2027 Rivers State House of Assembly election.
Confirming his resignation during a telephone conversation with Vanguard on Saturday, Stephen said his decision was motivated by his commitment to securing effective representation for the people of Okrika.
“The decision was born out of my desire to give a good representation to my people,” he said.
With his defection to the ADP, Stephen will now prosecute his Okrika Constituency ambition under a new political platform, while seeking to build on his existing grassroots relationships ahead of the 2027 election.
