APC State Congresses: Crisis Escalates In Ondo, Delta, Benue

The All Progressives Congress (APC) held its state congresses across the country yesterday in a build-up to its national convention slated for 25 to 28 March.

The exercises were largely deemed peaceful in most states, though a few, including Ondo, Benue and Delta, were marred by escalating internal crises.

Despite pockets of tension, several states recorded smooth congresses conducted through consensus arrangements, while others produced parallel executives as a result of deepening factional divides.

Stakeholders of the APC in Taraba State adopted a consensus arrangement ahead of the forthcoming state congress following intense controversy between legacy members and newly defected stakeholders.

The dispute, centred on the sharing of party positions, nearly escalated before Governor Agbu Kefas convened an emergency meeting at TY Danjuma House, Jalingo. Those in attendance included the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari; the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly; members of the National Assembly, Haruna Manu, Shuaibu Lau and Jimkuta; as well as former Governor Jolly Nyame, Haruna Sani, the Deputy National Woman Leader, Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, and other notable leaders.

Governor Kefas said his defection to the APC was driven by a desire to add value rather than undermine anyone. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to peace, stability and inclusive leadership, noting that congress-related issues earlier discussed at the Nigeria Governors’ Forum required “local initiative” in Taraba due to peculiar political dynamics.

He assured that justice and transparency would guide the process, saying whatever was done wrongly would be corrected. After a closed-door session, the National Deputy Women Leader, Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, confirmed that the Taraba congress would be peaceful and conducted primarily through consensus as provided in the party’s constitution.

She expressed optimism that Taraba was set to produce one of the most successful congresses nationwide.

In Delta State, Chief Solomon Arenyeka emerged APC Chairman through consensus during the state congress held in Asaba. Elder Moses Iduh was elected Deputy Chairman, and Chief Efe Uko became State Secretary. Others elected by consensus included Chief Paulinus Akpeki (Delta Central Chairman), Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba (Delta South), Engr. Daniel Ossai (Delta North), Elder Emmanuel Egbabor (Organising Secretary), Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo (Publicity Secretary), Mrs Ifeyinwa Sobotie (Woman Leader) and Christopher Agali (Youth Leader). Chairman of the Congress Committee, Engr. Vita Abba, declared the new executive duly elected, noting that the entire process adhered to party guidelines.

Former Speaker Victor Ochei earlier moved the motion dissolving the outgoing State Working Committee, seconded by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor. Governor Oborevwori, addressing delegates, insisted there was “no imposition” but broad consultations and inclusiveness, commending the peaceful conduct of ward, local government and state congresses.

He charged the new executive to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of 2027, stressing the mission to secure victory at all levels.

Immediate past chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie described the congress as a product of sacrifice and unity, urging the new leadership to govern with humility.

In his acceptance speech, Arenyeka pledged transparency, accountability and teamwork, adding that the Delta APC would become a model for other states.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Dennis Guwor, congratulated the new executives, describing their emergence as a vote of confidence from party faithful.

The congress ended peacefully without rancour; however, it was boycotted by the former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, the Iboris and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.

The APC in Gombe State affirmed new state executives by consensus at the Pantami Stadium, with Mohammed Dantata Ndus emerging Chairman and Abubakar Umar Goro as Secretary. Chairman of the Congress Committee, Dr Danjuma Adamu Dabo, said the screening and affirmation processes were seamless, with no appeals recorded.

Other key executives affirmed included Baba Abuja (Deputy Chairman), Ibrahim Musa Bakas (Organising Secretary), Moses Kyari (Publicity Secretary), Sarki Hamisu (Welfare Secretary) and Hamza Baba Wanna (Legal Adviser). Fatima Shaibu Ghara became Woman Leader, Murtala Yusuf Mai Shahada Youth Leader and Ibrahim Yakubu Auditor.

Ndus pledged loyalty to the party hierarchy, emphasising unity and party supremacy.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the congress as the final step in the full reorganisation of the party from ward to state level, saying the APC had “taken charge 100%” in Gombe.

In Edo State, APC delegates unanimously returned the 36-member state executive led by Jarrett Tenebe for another four-year term via voice affirmation during a peaceful congress in Benin City.

Tenebe used his acceptance speech to announce the party’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo for second terms, citing their performance.

He also endorsed former governor and senator, Adams Oshiomhole, for another Senate term.

The exercise was supervised by the National Congress Committee led by Hon. Kabiru Ajana, who confirmed that all positions were unopposed with no appeals. Oshiomhole described the congress as symbolic of unity, crediting Governor Okpebholo’s leadership.

Former Senator Emmanuel Anosike emerged Chairman of the APC in Anambra State through consensus at the Awka congress, replacing Chief Basil Ejidike. Chief J.C. Okeke became Vice Chairman, while Chief Obi Okpala emerged Secretary.

Returning Officer Rear Admiral William Kayode (rtd) affirmed that the exercise complied with APC constitutional provisions on consensus.

Senator Uche Ekwunife explained that a “basketing” and harmonisation approach was used to ensure competence and credibility.

The immediate past executive was dissolved following a motion moved by Chief Olisa Metuh.

In his acceptance speech, Anosike pledged inclusive leadership and thanked Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for stabilising the party in the South-East. Ejidike urged members to support the new leadership.

Former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake, emerged APC Chairman at the state congress held at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The congress was peaceful and conducted under the supervision of a committee set up by the APC national leadership. Stakeholders had earlier agreed on a zoning formula after wide consultations across the 33 LGAs.

Alake previously served as deputy governor under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi from 2011 to 2019.

The APC congress in Niger State saw most executives returned through a consensus list favouring Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s camp.

Notably absent was the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, considered influential within the party. Incumbent chairman Aminu Musa Bobi and Secretary Dr Adamu Again were retained.

Governor Bago praised the peaceful nature of the congresses from ward to state levels, describing them as demonstrations of unity. APC Vice Chairman (North Central), Mu’azu Bawa Rijau, and Senators Sani Musa and Sani Bello commended the process.

In Imo State, Chief Austin Onyedebelu emerged APC chairman, while Hon. Onyekachi Ibezim became Secretary at the state congress held in Owerri with Governor Hope Uzodimma present.

Both leaders emerged unopposed via consensus. Outgoing chairman Dr MacDonald Ebere thanked members for their support, while Onyedebelu promised to unite the party and lead it to electoral success.

The Kogi State APC elected Engr. Aliyu Momoh Ezzu as Chairman through a consensus arrangement during the congress held at Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja.

Chairman of the Congress Committee, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for ensuring a peaceful exercise.

Immediate past chairman Abdullahi Bello praised the process as one of the most rancour-free in APC history. Governor Ododo urged the new executive to work for party unity, assuring continued government support.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have charged the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna to mobilise two million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

The charge came as Hon. Isaac Atiku Sankay emerged as the consensus Chairman of the party at the end of the State Congress held at Murtala Muhammed Square, Kaduna.

Sankay, the current Special Adviser on Peace and Conflict Resolution to the governor, was adopted by stakeholders after wide consultations across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Addressing delegates, Governor Sani described the congress as a defining moment in the continued evolution of the APC in Kaduna, saying the exercise reflected internal cohesion and democratic discipline.

He disclosed that 6,885 ward executives were elected across the 255 wards, while 621 local government executives also emerged from the congresses conducted at the grassroots.

At the state level, 36 executive members were affirmed and sworn in, a development the governor said underscored the party’s strong structure and presence in every community.

According to him, the adoption of consensus was not a sign of weakness but an expression of political maturity and unity, stressing that the Kaduna APC would channel its energy towards governance, development and electoral victory.

He reaffirmed the state chapter’s loyalty to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that party structures would be aligned with national objectives and mobilised from the polling units upwards.

In his acceptance speech, Sankay expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Sani for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to serve with discipline, courage and measurable results.

Drawing from his experience in peacebuilding, he said he had worked with security agencies, traditional rulers, faith leaders and civil society groups to promote dialogue and stability across Kaduna’s diverse communities.

Sankay promised to strengthen internal democracy, deepen grassroots mobilisation, create structured platforms for youth and women participation, and reinforce cohesion within the party.

Speaker Abbas, in his remarks, urged the new executives to swing into action immediately, unite all tendencies within the party and deliver over two million votes for President Tinubu and a similar figure for Governor Sani in 2027.

In his farewell address, the outgoing State Chairman, Air Commodore E.K. Jekada (rtd), thanked party faithful for their support during his eight-year tenure, noting that he was leaving behind a stronger and more united APC in Kaduna State.

However, Benue State witnessed one of the most intense crises of the nationwide APC congresses as camps loyal to Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, held parallel congresses.

At the IBB Square congress, Governor Alia declared his faction’s executive as “authentic”, re-electing Benjamin Omale as chairman. Former Governor Gabriel Suswam, Senator Barnabas Gemade and other key leaders were present. Gemade urged Akume’s loyalists to join the Alia camp.

Meanwhile, the Akume faction held a simultaneous congress at Eunice Resort, Makurdi, affirming the Austin Agada-led executive for another four-year term.

A statement by APC Publicity Secretary Daniel Ihomun announced the successful conduct of their congress. Both events were peaceful despite the deepening rift within the party.

Chukwunweike, 36 Others Elected Enugu APC Excos

The Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Dr Martin Chukwunweike as Chairman and Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie as Secretary of a 37-member new executive of the party in the state.

Chukwunweike, Nnadozie and 35 others emerged unanimously on Tuesday at a well-attended state congress of the party held at Okpara Square, Enugu, described by the APC national panel for the Enugu State Congress as free, fair and credible.

In the same vein, 15 zonal executives, five for each of the three senatorial zones of the state, have equally emerged.

This is even as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who commended party leaders and faithful for their peaceful and transparent exercise, lauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, which he said had allowed more revenue inflows to states, also listing the many benefits accruing to Enugu State since joining the ruling party.

Cross River APC Elects Chris Etta as Chairman, Lukpata Vice Chairman

In Cross River State, APC members elected a former member representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Mr Chris Etta, as Chairman.

Etta emerged as chairman after being affirmed as the consensus candidate for the position.

He is a close ally of Governor Otu and Ambassador Soni Abang.

The party also elected Dr Ugana Lukpata as Deputy State Party Chairman, while Mr Patrick Okon retained his position as State Secretary.

The candidates were affirmed by party stakeholders at the U.J. Esuene Sports Stadium, following a protracted meeting which took place at the State Library Complex, Calabar.

In his post-election speech, Etta promised to do the bidding of the party, pledging to carry everyone along and asking party stalwarts not to fail to visit his office to table their problems.

In his remarks, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu urged the newly elected State Working Committee to work in tandem with the ideals of the APC.