APC Delta Congresses Proceed Despite Accusations of Exclusion
A divide has emerged within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the conduct of its ward and local government congresses on Wednesday. While a party committee declared the exercise smooth and coordinated across all three senatorial districts, a coalition of long-standing members has alleged manipulation and marginalisation.
The state congress oversight committee, led by Secretary Hon. Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe, reported visiting multiple wards in Delta South, Central, and North without incident. Atigwe stated that direct interactions with party members revealed a peaceful, orderly process with no disputes requiring intervention. He attributed the conduct to the maturity and discipline of party faithful, calling it a sign of the APC’s growing strength in the state.
“The process has been seamless and orderly,” Atigwe said, commending the turnout and unity displayed.
Contradicting this account, the Delta North APC Coalition for Equity, represented by Chairman Chief Alex Ikpeazu and Acting Secretary-General Ken-Chad Rafua, claimed foundational members were systematically excluded. The coalition linked the development to the recent defection of state governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the ascendance of his political structure within the party.
According to the coalition, new blocs leading in various wards failed to invite original stakeholders to meetings where consensus executive lists were drafted, violating directives from state leadership. They argued the presented lists were not genuine consensus agreements and should be discarded. The group further alleged that nomination forms purchased by some members were being privately completed by new bloc leaders for their preferred candidates, excluding founding members.
The state APC leadership strongly refuted these claims. Valentine Onojeghuo, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, asserted the congresses adhered strictly to constitutional guidelines. He described the exclusion allegations as “false, misleading, and calculated to create discord.”
“The consensus arrangement was carefully designed by key stakeholders to promote unity and inclusiveness, harmonising interests of long-standing members and new entrants,” Onojeghuo stated. “Any suggestion of vindictiveness or targeted marginalisation is baseless.”
The clashing narratives highlight internal tensions within Delta’s APC as it consolidates structures ahead of future elections. The outcome of these ward congresses, which form the grassroots base of the party, will be critical for determining the state chapter’s cohesion and leadership configuration. Further steps, including potential validation committees or appeals, are expected to resolve the dissenting voices.
