The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District has rejected the appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the party in Delta State.
The party chairmen from Delta Central stated this in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Onoabedje Obakpororo, APC Chairman Ughelli/North chapter; chairman of all chairmen, Delta Central Senatorial District, Comrade Wilfred Ileleji; Chairman Uvwie chapter; chairmen’s secretary, Delta Central Senatorial District, Comrade David Rheriobore; chairman, Udu LGA, Comrade Eric Afe; chairman, Okpe LGA, Sir. Isaiah Kekeje; chairman, Ughelli South LGA, Surveyor Friday Erubasa; chairman, Sapele LGA, Chief Julius Ogboru; chairman, Ethiope East LGA, and Chief Efe Amughoro, chairman of Ethiope West LGA.
They described the appointment of Akpeki as unconstitutional and a threat to party unity.
The chairmen of the eight local government area chapters in Delta Central argued that the appointment violated Article 14.2 of the APC Constitution. According to the article, the deputy state chairman should assume the role of state chairman in the event of a vacancy, not a senatorial vice chairman. They maintained that adherence to this established protocol was critical for ensuring party stability and maintaining democratic principles.
The statement warned that the actions of the State Working Committee (SWC) in bypassing the deputy chairman of the party not only undermined the party’s constitutional framework but also give room for further divisions. “Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests,” the chairmen stated, emphasizing the need to foster unity within the party,” they stated.
The SWC’s decision has been characterised as politically motivated, serving hidden agendas rather than upholding democratic accountability. As a result, the chairmen have called for the immediate reversal of Chief Akpeki’s appointment to align with the APC Constitution.
They asserted that leadership decisions must reflect the values of due process and social justice to build trust among party members and ensure a cohesive political environment.
This unified stance underscores the commitment of Delta Central APC leaders to preserving the party’s integrity and adhering to its foundational principles. Failure to address the issue, they warned, could lead to additional internal strife, jeopardising the party’s prospects in the state.
The statement read: “The recent appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as acting state chairman of the APC in Delta State is a blatant violation of the party’s constitution. This development may lead to additional upheaval inside the party if nothing is done to stop the pranks and shenanigans.
“We emphasize that this alignment is crucial for ensuring stability and social justice within the party. This collective stance reflects our commitment to upholding democratic principles and fostering an equitable political environment.
“According to Article 14.2, in the absence of the chairman, it is the deputy chairman who is meant to assume this role, not a senatorial vice chairman. This disregard for established protocols undermines the integrity of the party and threatens its unity.
“By bypassing the Deputy State Chairman, the State Working Committee (SWC) has set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further chaos within the party. Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests, eroding trust among party members.
“The SWC’s decision not only contravenes the APC Constitution but also raises questions about the motives behind this manoeuvre. It appears to serve hidden agendas rather than uphold democratic principles and accountability within the party.
“We urge the SWC to rescind this appointment immediately and adhere to the constitutional framework they pledged to uphold. The future of our party hinges on leadership that respects due process and fosters unity rather than division.”
