A brewing conflict within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has exposed sharp divisions over a grassroots-led rally meant to demonstrate support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential second-term bid ahead of the 2027 elections. The planned event, intended to unify the party’s base, has instead ignited accusations of internal sabotage and external collusion among senior officials.
Organized by local APC loyalists under Chief Emmanuel Adigwe, the solidarity walk was positioned as a public endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership ahead of the next general elections. However, Delta APC leaders issued a formal statement disavowing the event, calling it “unauthorized and unsanctioned” and threatening disciplinary measures. The August 4, 2025, declaration by state publicity secretary Valentine Onojeghuo emphasized strict adherence to party protocols, stating, “No individual or group has the right to brand any activity as an official APC event without approval. Defiance will meet swift consequences.”
Critics of the decision, led by party figure Chuks Erhire, accuse state chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie of obstructing Tinubu’s momentum to benefit opposition interests. Erhire alleges Sobotie is collaborating with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, to weaken APC cohesion. “Sobotie is a mole,” Erhire asserted, claiming the chairman has failed to strengthen the party’s position in Delta while stifling pro-Tinubu initiatives. “This is a calculated attempt to undermine the President’s popularity. We will not be intimidated by anti-Tinubu elements.”
Sobotie’s critics argue the rally’s cancellation reflects broader tensions between grassroots supporters and the state leadership, which they claim has been ineffective in capitalizing on Tinubu’s national influence. Erhire vowed the walk would proceed despite threats of sanctions, framing the standoff as a battle for the APC’s future in the region. “The event will hold whether the devil likes it or not. We cannot let ADC-style sabotage derail our efforts,” he declared, referencing accusations that rival factions are undermining party unity.
The dispute highlights challenges within the APC as it navigates internal dissent ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle. While the national party has not publicly intervened, calls for its leadership to address Sobotie’s alleged ties to opposition groups underscore deepening mistrust among local ranks. Analysts note the clash could impact Tinubu’s support in Delta, a politically strategic state where the APC has historically struggled against rival parties.
As both sides dig in, the controversy raises questions about governance structures within Nigeria’s political parties and the balance between centralized authority and local activism. With the rally organizers pressing ahead, the outcome may test the APC’s ability to manage dissent while rallying its base for the 2027 polls.
