The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area on Friday inaugurated its Leadership Council with Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, the party’s founding leader in Delta State, emerging as chairman.
The council, launched at a well-attended meeting in Evwreni, immediately signalled its strength by surpassing its ₦100 million fundraising target with over ₦140 million pledged.
Inaugurated by Hon. Matthew Omonade, member representing Ughelli North Constituency I, in the Delta State House of Assembly, the council brings together prominent leaders, stakeholders, and ward representatives to drive unity, mobilisation, and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The Leadership Council has Olorogun O’tega Emerhor as Chairman, Chief Fred Majemite as First Vice Chairman, Chief Terry Noah as Second Vice Chairman, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas as Secretary, Chief Raphael Emecho as Assistant Secretary, Hon. George Oyefia as Organizing Secretary, Chief Roland Odeni as Assistant Organizing Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon as Publicity Secretary, David Edjukonemu and Chief Adjode Prosper as Ex-Officios.
Other members include the chairmen and secretaries of both the Finance and Elders Committees, as well as two nominees from each of the eleven wards.
The Finance and Fundraising Committee is led by Hon. Stella Okotete as Chairperson with Hon. Kelly Oghenekevwe as Secretary, supported by one member per ward. The Elders Committee is chaired by Prof. Samuel Ibodje with a Constituency II secretary, comprising all party elders aged 70 and above.
The APC State Chairman, Chief Omene Sobotie, who was represented by Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, assured the gathering of his full backing. “Every decision taken has my full support. I will use my good offices to ensure the council succeeds,” he said.
In his opening remarks as the newly inaugurated chairman of the Ughelli North Leadership Council, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor charged members to view the council as the central hub for political mobilization in the Ughelli North.
Emerhor emphasised the significance of the gathering, stating he had not seen an assembly of such calibre in a long time. Drawing on his experience since 1999, he confidently declared, "Looking around this place today, I know we are prepared and ready to go to battle." He further assured supporters that the readiness was comprehensive—physically, financially, and spiritually—adding that the APC leadership in Ughelli North was so prepared that "His Excellency the President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori can go to rest; there is no fear."
In his acceptance speech as chairman, Olorogun Emerhor expressed great satisfaction with the successful outcome of the meeting. He stressed the importance of having the new structure in place so that the party could effectively begin its work, which included the immediate commencement of meetings at all levels, including the local government. Addressing a minor distraction—the absence of the party LG chairman—Emerhor remained undeterred, firmly stating, “Nobody is going to stop us. This train is already moving.” He celebrated the progress made even before formal operations began, proudly noting that the council had already surpassed its initial N100 million fundraising target, raising over N140 million, a clear sign that “Ughelli North does not carry last."
A key focus of the chairman’s address was the urgent need for voter mobilisation. Emerhor called on all leaders to make the ongoing voter registration exercise a top priority for their constituents. He instructed ward leaders to meet with their people and develop strategies to boost voter strength, subsequently linking up with the local government chairman for guidance and coordination. The objective was not just participation but competition, as Emerhor stated, “We must compete."
To incentivise action and commitment, the APC leader pledged to recognise and reward successful results. He proposed a clear mechanism for motivation, stating, "We should even put something on the table, any ward that can achieve results will be recognised." He directly linked mobilisation efforts to political power, concluding his remarks by reminding members that "The more people that register, the stronger we will be," reinforcing the council’s core mandate to build a robust and prepared political base.
Other leaders, including Surveyor Terry Noah, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas and Prof. Samuel Ibodje pledged loyalty to the party and stressed inclusivity, while Ughelli North Council Chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, warned against indiscipline.
“The party is too big to wait for anybody. One chance will be given to those yet to fully align to do so, if not, the party will move forward,” Egbo cautioned.
With its leadership now formalised and fundraising off to a strong start, APC leaders in Ughelli North vowed to deliver for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027.
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