By Akpos Oghenetega,
A fresh controversy has erupted within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Hon. (Chief) Evance Ochuko Ivwurie has issued a strongly worded statement, criticizing Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, over his attempt to justify the establishment of a "College of Leaders" within the party.
In the statement, Ivwurie accused Keyamo of attempting to impose an unconstitutional leadership structure in Delta APC, which was swiftly rejected by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, and other party stakeholders. He alleged that Keyamo ignored the APC National Working Committee’s (NWC) stance against the initiative and instead launched media attacks on those opposing him.
"When you formed your so-called ‘College of Leaders’ as the ultimate decision-making body for APC in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege rightly rejected it on behalf of thousands of concerned leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots supporters as an unconstitutional error," Ivwurie stated.
He further questioned Keyamo’s political influence, arguing that he has never won an election in his polling unit and lacks grassroots support. According to Ivwurie, political leadership should be based on genuine influence, not media visibility.
The statement also addressed allegations that Omo-Agege worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 general elections. Ivwurie dismissed the claims insisting that Omo-Agege spent significant resources campaigning for APC’s victory in Delta State.
"How can you suggest that after campaigning and investing huge resources in the election, Omo-Agege told voters to only vote for two senators while abandoning the presidential candidate?" Ivwurie queried.
He also accused Keyamo of failing to actively campaign for APC in Delta, claiming that his only visible role was appearing for photo and television opportunities during President Tinubu’s campaign visit to Warri.
As tensions within Delta APC continue to escalate, Ivwurie called for respect for the party’s constitution and grassroots leadership, emphasizing that Omo-Agege remains a dominant force in the state’s political landscape.
The ongoing crisis underscores the deepening factional struggles within Delta APC, with party leaders at odds over control and political influence ahead of the 2027 elections.
