APC Delta in Turmoil Over Imposed Congress Lists
A deepening crisis has engulfed the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of its scheduled ward and local government congresses, as allegations of imposed consensus executive lists spark protests, suspensions, and sharp divisions within the party.
Investigations reveal that the unrest cuts across the three senatorial districts of the state, pitting long-standing APC members against defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of party structures at ward and local government levels.
The crisis reportedly began last week during the compilation of consensus lists for new executives. Since then, protests have erupted at the APC State Secretariat in Asaba, while some government officials and party members have been suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
Ughelli South Boils Over Alleged Imposition
In Ughelli South Local Government Area, party members rejected what they described as externally imposed consensus lists. Both old APC members and former PDP defectors accused a government contractor and former PDP leader, identified as Oguma, of influencing the process.
Protesters also alleged collusion between Oguma and Akpeki, an APC executive in Delta Central Senatorial District, claiming that financial inducements running into millions of naira had exchanged hands.
“The future of Ughelli South and the credibility of the APC in Delta State must not be sacrificed for personal ambition,” a former councillor warned, urging Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to distance himself from the controversy.
Ughelli North Leadership Dispute
In Ughelli North, tensions escalated following the alleged imposition of Lucky Ofomukoro as consensus chairman. During a meeting at the local government secretariat presided over by Fred Majemite, a former PDP chieftain and now vice chairman of the APC Ughelli North Leaders Council, long-standing APC members openly rejected Ofomukoro’s candidacy.
At Ogor Ward, accusations also surfaced against Kelly Oghenekevwe, a director at the State Board of Internal Revenue and former PDP member, who was alleged to have manipulated the consensus executive list, sparking further resentment among party loyalists.
Ika North East, Isoko North Face Similar Turmoil
In Ika North East, similar patterns of alleged imposition by former PDP members have created friction between old and new entrants into the APC fold.
The crisis deepened in Isoko North Local Government Area during a caucus meeting in Ozoro, where leaders protested alleged moves by Jonathan Ukodhiko, member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, to install his aide, Sunny Elueni, as local government APC chairman.
Sources claimed that Ukodhiko’s alleged second-term ambitions fueled resistance from party leaders, who rejected what they described as attempts to impose a “stooge” as chairman.
One party source criticized the lawmaker’s performance, accusing him of being disconnected from constituents and relying on financial inducements to secure political loyalty ahead of 2027.
Emevor, Iyede and Other Wards Erupt
Further disputes have erupted in Emevor and Iyede Ward 1, where old APC members accused Kome Okpobor, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at DESOPADEC and a former PDP member, of interfering in the ward’s executive selection process through allies.
Party members from Iyede Ward 1 insisted that Okpobor, who hails from Iyede Ward 2, lacks authority to influence their ward’s leadership decisions. They vowed to resist what they described as undue interference.
Multiple competing consensus lists were also reportedly submitted from Irri Wards 10 and 11, as well as Uzere wards, further compounding the crisis.
Party Leadership Silent
At the time of filing this report, party leaders and members were observed trooping in and out of the APC State Secretariat in Asaba to submit petitions and protest letters.
When contacted for comment, the APC State Chairman, Omeni Sobotie, declined to speak on the matter, stating only that inquiries should be reserved until after the ward congresses scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
With congresses imminent, the escalating tensions threaten to deepen factional divides within the Delta APC, raising concerns about party cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
