ASABA: Foundation members of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District have raised the alarm that they have been sidelined in the affairs of the party in Delta State.
Operating under the umbrella of the Delta North Coalition for Equity, the group made this known in a communiqué issued at the end of a stakeholders’ meeting held in Asaba, the state capital, on Sunday.
The coalition called on the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to provide decisive leadership by instituting a transparent and inclusive harmonization framework that guarantees equity, fairness, and electoral success at all levels.
Members unanimously demanded fair and meaningful inclusion of APC foundation members in government appointments at both federal and state levels, including boards and agencies. They also urged Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to integrate old APC members into the governor’s political structure within the existing party machinery.
In the five-point communiqué signed by Chairman, Barr. Alex Ikpeazu, and Secretary-General, Hon. Kemmar Emina, the stakeholders unequivocally demanded that the position of Delta State APC chairman be zoned to Delta North in the next dispensation.
They noted that Delta South had previously occupied the position, while Delta Central, which currently holds it, will soon complete its tenure. According to them, zoning the position to Delta North is necessary in the interest of equity, fairness, and balanced representation.
The group further called for the development of a sustainable party structure anchored on unity, inclusiveness, equity, and collective ownership, incorporating both former PDP members who recently joined the APC and long-standing party members.
Another key demand was the formal involvement of Delta North APC leadership in the ongoing coalition process, including negotiations, consultations, appointments, and party restructuring efforts.
Stakeholders at the meeting lamented that founding members of the APC no longer have a voice in the party’s affairs, warning that urgent steps must be taken to save the soul of the APC ahead of future elections.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Christopher Okoba described the situation as unacceptable, likening it to landlords being displaced by tenants.
When you come into my house, you must recognize that I am the owner. You cannot come into my house and turn me into a tenant, he said, adding that President Bola Tinubu had earlier assured party members that founding members would not be sidelined.
Okoba stressed that the group was not interested in apportioning blame but in correcting structural defects within the party to ensure unity and collective progress.
