Delta APC Congress: Party, Aspirant Trade Words Over Imposition Of Candidate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state and aspirants for the position of chairman ahead of Tuesday’s State Congress of the party are already trading accusations.

The accusation is unconnected with the alleged imposition of chairmanship aspirant by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, being accused of influencing the zoning of the state chairman position to Delta South against an earlier consensus by stakeholders just as the party described the claim as false, misleading, and politically- motivated.

In a press release issued on Sunday, APC state chairmanship aspirant, Ebiakpo Ezebri, alleged that the decision to zone the position to Delta South and impose “a former Delta PDP chairman” was taken “contrary to the earlier consensus reached by party leaders and stakeholders.”

While declaring the ill-treatment against the founding members of the party in the state, Ezebri said, “My attention has been drawn to developments in the ongoing congresses of our great party, particularly the decision to zone the position of state chairman to Delta south, and the imposition of a former Delta PDP chairman allegedly at the instance of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.”

He described the development as a “clear departure from the principles of fairness, internal democracy, and due process,” warning that the process risks undermining party unity at a critical time.

According to him, party congresses are traditionally meant to demonstrate the APC’s strength and democratic character, stressing that “stakeholders had reportedly agreed on a zoning and consensus framework to ensure inclusiveness and balance.”

“However, the recent developments suggest a shift from consensus to imposition, with key decisions allegedly taken without broad consultation, including among aspirants who have fulfilled all constitutional requirements to contest.”

Ezebri disclosed that he purchased his nomination form for ₦1,050,000 and paid all required party dues, insisting that he and other aspirants deserved transparency and fairness.

“Like many others who have invested time, resources, and personal sacrifice in building this party from its formative years, I believe we deserve transparency and fairness in the conduct of party affairs,” he said.

He further alleged exclusion from critical meetings, noting that “meetings were reportedly convened and decisions taken on matters directly affecting aspirants without inviting or consulting all concerned parties.”

Such actions, he warned, “Risk undermining confidence in the integrity of the process and could erode the spirit of unity we have worked hard to build.”

But APC in the state rejected the allegations of candidate imposition in the state congress

In a statement by the state publicity secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party dismissed accusations credited to state chairmanship aspirant, Ebiakpo Ezebri, who alleged that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would impose a candidate in the congress process.

The party stated that no individual had been imposed as chairman of the Delta State APC, insisting that the claims were deliberately crafted to misinform members, sow division, and undermine what it described as a transparent and constitutionally guided exercise.

“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: no individual has been imposed as chairman of the Delta State APC. These allegations are unfounded and cannot substitute for the clear provisions of the APC Constitution and established democratic procedures,” Onojeghuo stated.