ASABA: The Delta State chapter of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) has concluded its Local Government Area (LGA) congress across the state’s 25 council areas, electing new party executives through consensus, even as violence disrupted proceedings in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
Party leaders described the exercise as largely peaceful and orderly, with broad participation by members and monitoring by representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, journalists, and party stakeholders.
Ahead of the congress, members of the APC National Committee delegation for Delta State were received at the party secretariat in Asaba by the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, who commended members for the successful conduct of earlier ward congresses and urged strict compliance with party guidelines.
Speaking on behalf of the national committee, its Secretary, Hon. Simon Atigwe, said the delegation’s mandate was to ensure transparency and inclusiveness while strengthening unity within the party.
After monitoring activities across the three senatorial districts, he expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and discipline displayed by party members.
According to him, Delta remains a strategic state for the APC, noting that adequate security arrangements ensured smooth conduct of the exercise in most parts of the state.
In several local government areas, party officials affirmed that the congresses were conducted without rancour. In Oshimili South, Council Chairman Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili described the exercise as peaceful, while leaders in Oshimili North, including Hon. Frank Esenwa and Chief Patrick Ukah, praised the consensus arrangement adopted by members.
New executives emerged across the LGAs, including Sylvester Oghenewede in Uvwie, Sunday Omonakome in Isoko North, Victor Ekelega in Isoko South, Lucky Ofomukoro in Ughelli North, Ojay Edirin Ojigho in Ughelli South, Emeka Asiwe in Ika North-East, Midwest Iboyitete in Ethiope East, and Clement Okorodide, who was affirmed Chairman in Ethiope West at Onogborhe Primary School, Ovade-Oghara.
Prominent APC stakeholders who commended the exercise included the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; and member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, Francis Ejiroghene Waive, among others, who urged members to remain united ahead of future elections.
However, the congress witnessed tension in Ethiope West Local Government Area where violence reportedly broke out during the exercise involving the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
The lawmaker was said to have escaped unharmed after suspected thugs allegedly attacked party members following the relocation of the congress from Oghara Township Stadium to Ovade, a development that heightened tensions among supporters.
Sources said several persons sustained injuries during the incident, while security personnel attached to Ibori-Suenu prevented her from accessing the venue over safety concerns. She later called on her supporters to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, also urged security agencies to intervene and restore order.
Some party members linked the disruption to internal political interests, mentioning Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former House of Representatives member Ben Igbakpa, though those named had not responded to the allegations as of press time.
Despite the isolated disturbance, APC stakeholders expressed optimism that the successful emergence of new executives across the state would strengthen party cohesion and position the party for future political contests, including the 2027 general elections.
