By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described its just-concluded Local Government Congress as peaceful, credible, and widely accepted, firmly dismissing reports of violence and alleged parallel executives in Ethiope West local government and parts of the state.
In a statement issued in Asaba on Saturday, the State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., said the congress was conducted strictly in accordance with the party’s constitution and guidelines approved by the National Working Committee, noting that the exercise marked a significant shift in the party’s internal processes.
“Since 2014, this is the first time our party has successfully conducted congresses across Delta State in such a peaceful, orderly and rancour-free manner,” Onojeghuo said.
“For the first time, we did not witness the usual incidents of violence, snatch-and-grab tactics, or the winner-takes-all mentality that previously characterised internal exercises. What we saw instead was maturity, consultation, consensus-building and respect for due process.”
He congratulated the newly elected executives across the 25 local government areas, describing their emergence as a reflection of the party’s renewed commitment to internal democracy.
“We heartily congratulate all newly elected Local Government Executives of our great party across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State,” Onojeghuo said. “The successful conduct of the congress is a clear demonstration of our collective commitment to internal democracy, due process, and party discipline.”
According to him, the exercise recorded orderly participation by delegates and stakeholders, reinforcing what he termed “a new culture of unity, consolidation and respect for internal democracy.”
Onojeghuo further stated that the congress was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which he said validated the credibility of the process.
“The presence of INEC officials duly authenticated the process. It underscores the transparency and credibility of the consensus approach of the congress and effectively puts to rest any false narrative of exclusion or insinuation of irregularities,” he stated.
Addressing claims of parallel congresses and factional executives, the party spokesman described the reports as unfounded.
“There were no parallel congresses anywhere in Delta State,” he declared. “Those peddling such reports are living in self-denial and seeking relevance through deliberate distortion of facts. The APC structure in Delta State is intact, cohesive, and fully integrated.”
He also dismissed reports alleging an attack on the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, describing the claims as media sensationalism.
“All thanks to His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, there are no reports of violence or breach of peace anywhere in the state, including the Ethiope Federal Constituency, in respect of the congresses as a result of his remarkable effort in achieving 95 percent integration within the party. The era of impunity, exclusion, and divisive politics is over. What we have today is a broad-based and inclusive structure that accommodates both longstanding members and new entrants committed to progressive governance under his watch,” Onojeghuo said.
Onojeghuo maintained that the newly elected executives represent the true grassroots base of the party and would play a critical role in strengthening the APC’s political machinery ahead of future elections.
“Their emergence marks another critical milestone in consolidating the ongoing integration and harmonisation of party structures across Delta State. The APC in Delta is more united today than ever before. It is a new dawn for Delta APC,” he said.
The Delta APC also reaffirmed its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to mobilise grassroots support across the state.
He called on party members to close ranks and support the newly elected executives.
“The Delta APC remains one united family, focused, forward-looking, and fully prepared for the political tasks ahead,” the statement noted.
