Panic in Delta as Ibori, Ned Nwoko, Omo-Agege, others shun APC state congress, describe exercise as big joke, demand cancellation

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Chief Solomon Arenyeka, the newly elected chairman of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC), has pledged to put an end to the animosity and hostility that once defined the party. The chairman, whose opening words during the swearing-in focused on the necessity of peace, set the tone for the new approach. Chief Arenyeka’s step toward rapprochement had an impressive and quick knock-on impact. Former principle officers who lost their jobs when a new team was elected were required to give up partisanship in order to contribute to issues, particularly those of interest and imputance to the party, during a good take-off. He deduced that members and everyone else needed to be forgiving, understanding, and trusting of one another. The chairman called on the whole party to move past the chaos that typified the congressional process.

Chief Arenyeka appeared to fit in nicely with his amicable demeanor while dressed in white.

Chief Efe Uko was named State Secretary, and Elder Moses Iduh was chosen as Deputy Chairman. Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Delta Central Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Delta South Chairman, and Engineer are among the other officials chosen by consensus. Elder Emmanuel Egbabor served as State Organizing Secretary, Daniel Ossai as Chairman of Delta North, and Barr. State Youth Leader Christopher Agali, State Woman Leader Mrs. Ifeyinwa Sobotie, and State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo.

State Congress Electoral Committee Chairman, Engr. After being confirmed by delegates, Vita Abba proclaimed the new executive elected, claiming that the procedure adhered to the party’s rules and constitution.

In the past, former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Honorable. To make room for new leadership, Victor Ochei made a resolution to dissolve the departing State Working Committee. Olorogun O’tega Emerhor seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.

Speaking to party supporters, Governor Oborevwori praised the departing leadership, headed by Elder Omeni Sobotie, for guiding the party through what he called a pivotal phase of transition after the state’s political realignment in April 2025.

The governor remarked, “I stand before you today filled with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism about the bright prospects of our great party.” “What started out as a moral choice to align Delta State with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed vision has developed into a strong and unstoppable political movement.”

He commended party members for their unity and discipline, citing the peaceful conduct of congresses throughout the state, 25 local government areas, and 270 wards as proof of APC’s internal democracy.

“There was no coercion. We saw a great deal of inclusivity, consensus, and consultation. He said, “We all own this structure.”

Prioritizing frequent meetings, strengthening grassroots involvement, and stepping up voter mobilization before 2027 were among Oborevwori’s directives to the incoming executive.

“There is no doubt about our mission. He said, “We must secure victory at every level: the Presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship, and State House of Assembly.” He expressed confidence that President Tinubu and other party candidates will receive resounding votes from the Delta APC.

Citing accomplishments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and human capital development, the governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and performance under the MORE Agenda.

Elder Omeni Sobotie, the departing State Chairman, characterized the congress as the result of unity and communal sacrifice in his remarks.

He urged the incoming leadership to lead humbly, saying, “In politics, what we have is not ‘I’ but ‘we.’ The interest of the people is more important than personal interests.” “A man’s ability may propel him to the top, but humility holds him there.”

In his victory speech, Arenyeka expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their faith in the new SWC and him.

“I do not take this responsibility lightly and am fully aware of its weight. We believe it is an honor to serve, and we promise to uphold the trust placed in us,” he stated.

He gave members his word that the new executive would maintain the party’s consensus-building and accountability while upholding diligence, honesty, openness, and collaboration.

Arenyeka also praised Governor Oborevwori for his leadership and unifying style, promising that Delta APC will become an example for other states under his chairmanship.

Our leader has given us the marching orders. We will deliver every APC candidate in the 2027 elections, by God’s will,” he proclaimed.

The Delta APC formally inaugurated its new leadership ahead of the upcoming election cycle, and the congress, which drew party leaders and stakeholders from all over the state, concluded in a heated atmosphere of jubilation.

Some prominent chieftains and political personalities, including some elected officials, were absent from the well-attended state congress.

Governor Oborevwori joked, “Those who did not attend are not from Delta,” as he acknowledged and thanked party supporters for their large attendance.

The Delta APC coalition has already demanded that the alleged state congress be canceled immediately. calling it a huge joke and a kangaroo.

The Delta State APC Coalition for Equity said in a sharply worded statement on Monday, March 2, 2026, that a number of candidates from the former APC bloc who paid for the State Chairmanship nomination forms were purposefully denied access to the forms despite their complete adherence to party rules.

The group claimed that this essentially prevents eligible card-carrying members from taking part in the party’s internal democratic process and referred to the failure to issue the forms as “exclusion through administrative obstruction.”

The coalition warned that the APC must not be reduced to “a platform where outcomes are predetermined and aspirants screened out through technical maneuvers,” stating that “this pattern raises serious concerns about transparency, equity, and adherence to due process.”

Additionally, the coalition claimed that parts of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Oborevwori, who had recently defected, were unduly influencing the congress arrangements.

It specifically cited what it described as “credible fears” of a planned scheme to appoint Elder Moses Idu as Deputy Chairman and Chief Solomon Arayinka, a former Delta State PDP Chairman, as APC State Chairman. It warned that this would amount to “a transfer of PDP leadership structure into the APC.”

The statement insisted that “Delta APC is not an annex of any other political formation” and stated that “if accurate, such action would marginalize foundational members who built this party through sacrifice and resilience.”

According to the group, the purported anomalies have caused a great deal of discontent among devoted members throughout the state and may undermine party cohesion before the general elections in 2027.

In a dramatic escalation, the coalition warned APC supporters in Delta State not to travel to Asaba for the planned congress on Tuesday, March 3, claiming that doing so would validate “an already decided congress.”

The statement stated, “Taking part in a compromised kangaroo exercise will only validate injustice and erode the credibility of our party structures.”

The coalition called for the congress to be moved to a new date so that all card-carrying members may vote in a free and inclusive process, and they requested that nomination forms be immediately made available to all candidates who had paid for them.

Additionally, it made a direct request to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Nentawe, the National Chairman of the APC, and members of the National Working Committee to step in immediately, look into the alleged anomalies, and give the process legitimacy again.

The alliance declared, “Our demand is simple: fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all aspirants,” cautioning that postponing justice at this crucial time might have serious repercussions for party unity and electoral prospects.

Acting Chairman Ambassador Felix Datuowei, Acting Secretary General Kenchad Rafua, and Chief Alex Ikpeazu, who was characterized as an unsuccessful candidate for the Delta State APC presidency, signed the statement.

In the meantime, Jarrett Tenebe, the newly elected executive of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, has endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second terms in office, citing their exceptional performance.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, party delegates from 192 Edo State wards gathered at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Hub in Benin City to choose new executive members. Tenebe’s 36-member state administration was reinstated for a further four-year term by the delegates in a unanimous voice vote.

Tenebe stated in his acceptance address that the re-elected executive had publicly approved Governor Okpebholo and President Tinubu for second terms, pointing out that both leaders had enhanced the lives of Nigerians and Edo people and had shown good performance.

Tenebe also said that he will support Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and senator from the Edo North Senatorial District, for a second term in the Senate, citing his “quality representation.”

Tenebe stated, “This unanimous voice affirmation is a call to duty, and we are prepared to fulfill our responsibility and ensure the party continues to put Edo people first while supporting the governor to sustain his developmental strides in the state.”

He promised that the group will steer the party’s affairs to new heights and praised delegates for their unwavering faith in the executive. Tenebe also expressed gratitude to party members for their steadfast support, which he claimed enabled the party to persevere through difficult times and maintain unity.

“A new chapter has begun today, and other states in the federation are already using it as a model and point of reference.” The race ahead is a marathon that will take place over the next four years, and we have been given the responsibility of leading,” he continued.

Tenebe pointed out that the time frame corresponds with the execution of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which he characterized as a revolutionary plan to realign Edo State for sustained growth. He insisted that the APC is still totally committed to helping the agenda be implemented successfully.

The National Congress Committee Chairperson, Hon. According to Kabiru Ajana, the committee was tasked with holding elections for the 36 open APC executive posts in Edo State.

He said that the exercise showed party unity because, following the screening procedure, all 36 posts were returned without opposition and no appeals were filed.

The congress’s chairman, Ajana, praised the governor for encouraging harmony within the Edo APC and urged other states to follow suit.

Speaking as well, Oshiomhole expressed gratitude to the delegates for re-electing the Tenebe-led administration, characterizing the process as smooth and emblematic of party unity in Edo State.

“I express my gratitude to all of the delegates for a smooth exercise that represents the party’s unity in Edo State. A bold message about Governor Okpebholo’s leadership is made by this togetherness. “We honor the governor for the party’s unity,” he declared.

Minister for Regional Development Abubakar Momoh; the Deputy Governor, Rt. Honorable. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary of the Barr Edo State Government. Musa Ikhilor, as well as other prominent party members and leaders.

Due of Uzodimma’s performance, PDP members in Imo empty into the APC.

In a different event, on Monday, March 2, 2026, Governor Hope Uzodimma enthusiastically welcomed 1320 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that further crippled the now-troubled political giant in Nigeria.

Their choice to join his party, according to Uzodimma, is a step toward unification and faster growth in Imo State.

Speaking to the new APC members in the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers at Government House Owerri, Uzodimma stated that the decision was about “a new trajectory of development” for the State rather than political history.

This choice is made for the benefit of our people, not for personal benefit. We all own the administration of Imo State,” he declared.

The governor emphasized the importance of group accountability in government, pointing out that infrastructural issues and insecurity call for cooperation.

He promised to work closely with the new APC members and take some of them into consideration for appointments, assuring them of equal rights and opportunities.

Uzodimma also emphasized the Igbo people’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s progress and urged a fresh sense of cohesion and concentration. “We must advance rather than regress. “The interests of our State and our people are the common denominator,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for welcoming the defectors without bias.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Imo State, Sir MacDonald Ebere, expressed happiness that several excellent PDP members had joined the party and promised the defectors equal standing and full recognition.

They were the “substance and oxygen” of the PDP, according to Sir Ebere, who also noted that their choice to join the APC signaled a dramatic change in Imo State politics.

He urged the new members not to be afraid of being left out and commended Governor Uzodimma for bringing the state together via inclusive leadership. He stated that the Party is still open to everyone and that “you will retain your status and even be better recognized in the APC.”

The Hopism Movement coordinator, Evangelist Mike Ikoku, led the defectors, who admitted that every member had left the PDP and was now properly registered with the APC.

He said that the defectors include former members of the Party’s State Working Committee, former Local Government Party Chairmen, former State Organizing Secretary, former PDP Financial Secretary and Legal Advisor, former House of Assembly candidates, and their backers.

They expressed their happiness, Hon. Former PDP House of Assembly candidate Jeff Nwachukwu, Mr. Mike Nkwocha, Ugorji Onuegbu, and other speakers emphasized that Governor Uzodimma’s performance and leadership acumen were the reasons behind their decision to join the APC.

They begged the Governor to welcome them as prodigal sons who had seen the light and turned from their sins into APC members.

They promised their allegiance to the principles of the APC and insisted that their defection was an indication of their support for good administration in the State and the country.

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