By Akpos Oghenetega
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has assured its members and Deltans that with ongoing reconciliation efforts and internal restructuring, the party is well-positioned to take over Delta State in the 2027 general elections, much like its recent victory in the Edo State governorship election.
Elder Godsday Orubebe, Chairman of the APC Reconciliation Subcommittee and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, gave this assurance during a meeting with party members and leaders from Delta Central on Wednesday at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta State.
In his opening remarks before the meeting went into a closed-door session, Orubebe lamented the missed opportunity for the APC to win Delta in the 2023 elections, despite widespread desire for change across the state. He urged all aggrieved party members to set aside their differences and unite to build a stronger and more formidable party ahead of 2027.
"Rather than dwelling on the past and blaming each other for the mistakes that cost us Delta in 2023, we must come together to ensure that in 2027, the APC enters the election as a united family," Orubebe said. He pointed to the unity demonstrated by Edo APC leaders, which led to their recent victory, as a model to be replicated in Delta.
“Today, the party has decided to reconcile and resolve the issues that brought us to this point. We all witnessed what happened in Edo; the APC won because it was a united house. Personal and group interests were set aside, and everyone worked together to secure victory,” Orubebe continued. “We can replicate that success in Delta. If we resolve our differences, 2027 is ours to take.”
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Orubebe expressed optimism about the success of the reconciliation efforts, noting that Delta APC would emerge stronger. He emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and collective forgiveness, stressing that unity is key to the party's future success.
“We met with delegates from Delta Central today, and I believe the message of unity and reconciliation was well received. We encouraged everyone to forgive past grievances and work together for the common good,” Orubebe said. He also revealed that similar meetings would be held across the three senatorial districts, culminating in a larger gathering of party leaders and members to solidify unity.
When asked about the sincerity of the party’s leadership in pursuing genuine reconciliation, Orubebe assured that all leaders recognize the need for unity after the loss in the 2023 elections. “There is sincerity among the leaders. The loss in 2023 has made everyone realize that we must work together if we are to deliver Delta State to the APC in 2027,” he added.
Present at the meeting were key members of the Delta APC Reconciliation Sub-Committee, including Chief Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chief Evans Omatsugowa Secretary, Dr. Chris Oghenechovwe, member, Barr. Francis Obigbor, member, Mr William Deniran, Deputy Secretary, Mr. Paul Azorbo Amabiri, member; Mrs. Ayu, member, Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu, member.
Other are Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo, secretary, Media Sub-Committee, Prince Fred Mordi, member Media Sub-Committee. Also present was Surv. Peter Akarogbe-State Secretary of the APC, Mr. Johnson Ejogbamu Okoro, State Organizing Secretary, Mr. Mudiaga Okorefe, State Special Leader, Chuks Erhire, Ex-Officio, M.K. Okpako, Loveth Omeru Onojeserio amongst others.
