A chieftain of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Mrs. Grace Akwaba, has warned that the party risks suffering major electoral setbacks if the alleged imposition of candidates and concentration of political influence continue ahead of future elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Akwaba cautioned Governor Sheriff Oborevwori against what she described as a growing culture of political favoritism, arguing that it could weaken the party’s grassroots support and electoral prospects.
According to her, a powerful political figure identified only as “Mugabe” has allegedly played a dominant role in determining appointments and candidate selections across the state, often sidelining broader party interests and local stakeholders.
Akwaba claimed that several nominations for elective positions were influenced more by personal loyalty than by popularity, competence, or grassroots acceptance.
She warned that if the current approach remains unchanged, the APC could struggle significantly in future elections, predicting that the party may secure fewer than seven seats in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The party stalwart pointed to several instances involving former and serving political office holders where recommendations from local leaders and political realities were allegedly ignored in favour of preferred candidates.
She also expressed concerns over what she described as unequal treatment within the party, recalling a previous situation in which a political appointee was reportedly asked to step down because members of the same family were not expected to occupy multiple public offices simultaneously.
Akwaba questioned why similar standards were not being applied in other appointments and elective positions, alleging that some politically connected families continue to enjoy multiple opportunities within the state’s political structure.
The APC stakeholder said the situation has generated dissatisfaction among many party members, particularly in Delta North, where she claimed numerous loyal supporters and stakeholders feel excluded from key political decisions.
She advised Governor Oborevwori to expand his political consultations and build stronger alliances across various blocs within the party instead of relying on a limited circle of allies.
Akwaba further urged the governor to recognise the political influence of Ned Nwoko in Delta North, insisting that cooperation rather than political rivalry would strengthen the APC’s position ahead of future electoral contests.
According to her, maintaining party unity, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring transparent candidate selection processes are critical if the APC hopes to remain competitive in Delta State.
The remarks come amid increasing discussions within the Delta APC over internal democracy, leadership dynamics, and preparations for future elections, as stakeholders continue to debate the direction of the party following recent political realignments in the state.
