In a major show of solidarity, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ethiope East Local Government Area on Sunday, October 19, held a high-powered unity meeting that brought together leading figures of the party across Delta State — culminating in the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the party’s sole presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
The meeting, hosted by Chief Bernard Edewor at his Eku country home, drew a distinguished crowd of party stalwarts including the Delta State APC Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie; Delta Central Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Delta North Chairman, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka; Delta South Chairman, Mr. Austin Oribioye; and Ethiope East APC Local Government Chairman, Chief Julius Ogboru.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Olorogun Arthur Akpovwowo; former House of Representatives member, Chief Sunny Emeyese; Ethiope East Council Chairman, Chief Augustine Ogedegbe; and State Director of Protocols, Olorogun Sunday Onoriode. Others present included Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Commissioner for Higher Education; Chief Brodrick Arigbodi; Chief James Omeru; Chief Martins Ohwevwho; Chief Tony Oboro; former council chairperson, Chief Faith Majemite; Chief Philip Eyagomare; and key members of the APC State Working Committee such as State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., State Financial Secretary Mr. William Deniran, State Auditor Mr. Paul Azorbor Amabiri, and Assistant State Legal Adviser Prince M.K. Okpako.
In his keynote address, State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie urged members to put party unity above personal interests, stressing that “the APC constitution does not recognize any individual as a ‘leader of the party.’” He warned that internal divisions could jeopardize the party’s 2027 prospects, adding that both pioneer and new members enjoy equal rights and privileges.
Chief Brodrick Arigbodi cautioned that political disunity could deprive Ethiope East of developmental projects. “Our ability to attract government attention is directly tied to our electoral performance. We must win convincingly before we can demand development,” he stated.
Olorogun Sunday Onoriode, State Director of Protocols, charged ward leaders to intensify efforts in the ongoing INEC voter registration exercise. “No election victory is possible without data, planning, and grassroots engagement,” he said.
The highlight of the meeting was the motion moved by Deputy Speaker Olorogun Arthur Akpovwowo to endorse President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori as the sole APC candidates for 2027 — a move seconded by Rt. Hon. Olorogun Sunny Emeyese and unanimously supported by all attendees. Akpovwowo hailed both leaders for their “developmental strides and governance records that have repositioned Nigeria and Delta State.”
The session ended with prayers led by Bishop Phillip Oruvweje, who invoked blessings of unity, guidance, and electoral success for the party.
Party faithful left the meeting energized and resolute, with many describing it as one of the most comprehensive reconciliatory gatherings in Ethiope East in recent years.
