By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
ASABA — Tensions are simmering within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after a factional coalition demanded the immediate cancellation of what it has labelled a “kangaroo” state congress, as several high-profile party chieftains, including James Ibori, Ned Nwoko and Ovie Omo-Agege, conspicuously avoided the event.
The newly elected chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyika, was sworn in on Tuesday amid promises to heal the party’s deep divisions, but his ascendancy has been immediately mired in controversy, with a coalition of aggrieved members alleging widespread irregularities and the marginalisation of longstanding party loyalists.
Addressing party faithful at the congress in Asaba, Chief Arenyika, dressed in white to symbolise his reconciliatory posture, pledged to end the bitterness and acrimony that have dogged the party. “We must put behind us the imbroglio that characterised the process of congress,” he urged members, calling for forgiveness, understanding and mutual trust.
The new State Working Committee (SWC) was elected by consensus, with Elder Moses Iduh as Deputy Chairman and Chief Efe Uko as State Secretary. Other officials include Chief Paulinus Akpeki (Delta Central Chairman), Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba (Delta South Chairman), Engr. Daniel Ossai (Delta North Chairman), Elder Emmanuel Egbabor (State Organising Secretary), Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo (State Publicity Secretary), Mrs. Ifeyinwa Sobotie (State Woman Leader) and Christopher Agali (State Youth Leader).
Engr. Vita Abba, Chairman of the State Congress Electoral Committee, declared the new executive duly elected following affirmation by delegates, insisting the process complied fully with the party’s constitution and guidelines.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who addressed the gathering, praised the outgoing executive led by Elder Omeni Sobotie for steering the party through what he termed a “defining transition period” following the political realignment in April 2025.
“I stand before you today filled with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism about the bright prospects of our great party,” the governor said. “What began as a principled decision to align Delta State with the renewed vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has evolved into a powerful and unstoppable political movement.”
Mr Oborevwori tasked the new leadership to prioritise regular meetings, deepen grassroots engagement and intensify voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections. “Our mission is unequivocal. We must secure victory at every level: the Presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship and State House of Assembly,” he declared.
Coalition cries foul
However, the euphoria of the congress has been overshadowed by a blistering statement from the Delta State APC Coalition for Equity, which has called for the immediate cancellation of the exercise, describing it as a “big joke”.
In a statement released on Monday, the coalition alleged that several aspirants from the old APC bloc who had duly paid for state chairmanship nomination forms were deliberately denied access to the documents despite full compliance with party guidelines.
The group described the refusal to release the forms as “exclusion through administrative obstruction”, arguing it effectively shut out qualified card-carrying members from participating in the party’s internal democratic process.
“This pattern raises serious concerns about transparency, equity and adherence to due process,” the coalition said, warning that the APC must not be reduced to “a platform where outcomes are predetermined and aspirants screened out through technical manoeuvres”.
The coalition further alleged that recently defected elements from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Oborevwori, were exerting undue influence over the congress arrangements. It specifically pointed to what it called “credible fears” of an orchestrated plan to install Chief Solomon Arenyika, a former Delta State PDP Chairman, as APC State Chairman — a move it warned would amount to “a transfer of PDP leadership structure into the APC”.
“If accurate, such action would marginalise foundational members who built this party through sacrifice and resilience,” the statement declared, insisting that “Delta APC is not an annex of any other political formation.”
Notable absentees
The absence of several prominent party figures lent weight to claims of internal discord. Former Governor James Ibori, Senator Ned Nwoko and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege — all key stakeholders in Delta politics — were notably absent from the congress, fuelling speculation about deep fractures within the party ranks.
Governor Oborevwori, in apparent reference to the absentees, joked during his address: “Those who did not attend are not from Delta.” The remark, while delivered lightly, underscored the underlying tensions.
In a dramatic escalation, the coalition called on APC faithful across Delta State not to travel to Asaba for the congress, warning that participation would legitimise “an already decided congress”.
“Participation in a compromised kangaroo exercise will only validate injustice and erode the credibility of our party structures,” the statement read.
The coalition has demanded the immediate release of nomination forms to all aspirants who paid for them and called for the congress to be rescheduled to a new date to allow for a free and inclusive process.
It also appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda and members of the National Working Committee to urgently intervene, investigate the alleged irregularities and restore credibility to the process.
“Our demand is simple: fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all aspirants,” the coalition stated, warning that justice delayed could have far-reaching consequences for party cohesion and electoral prospects.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Felix Datuowei (Acting Chairman), Kenchad Rafua (Acting Secretary General) and Chief Alex Ikpeazu, described as an excluded aspirant for the Delta State APC chairmanship position.
Despite the controversy, Chief Arenyeka, in his acceptance speech, thanked party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold hard work, integrity, transparency and teamwork. “We have heard the marching orders from our leader. By God’s grace, we shall deliver all APC candidates in the 2027 elections,” he declared.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on the party’s national leadership to determine whether the new executive commands the legitimacy to steer the Delta APC towards the 2027 electoral cycle — or whether the fractures exposed by this contested congress will prove too deep to heal.
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