By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly rejected allegations that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori imposed a candidate in the ongoing State Congress, describing the claims as “reckless, unfounded, and politically motivated.”
In a press statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., the party said it “categorically rejects and condemns” the allegations credited to State Chairmanship aspirant, Ebiakpo Ezebri, who had accused the governor of influencing the zoning of the chairmanship position and imposing a candidate.
“Let it be stated clearly and without ambiguity: no individual has been imposed as Chairman of the Delta State APC,” the statement declared. “These allegations are false, misleading, and appear deliberately crafted to misinform party members, create unnecessary division, and undermine the credibility of a transparent and constitutionally guided process.”
The party insisted that the ongoing congress is being conducted strictly in line with the APC Constitution and national guidelines, stressing that “no aspirant has been granted undue advantage, and no rules have been altered to favour any individual or group.”
Defending the governor, the APC stated that Oborevwori “has consistently demonstrated unwavering respect for internal democracy, party supremacy, and the rule of law,” adding that “at no time has he interfered with, manipulated, or subverted the congress process.”
“Any attempt to drag his name into unfounded controversies is both irresponsible and unacceptable,” the statement added.
On the contentious zoning of the State Chairman position to Delta South Senatorial District, the party clarified that the decision “was not the decision of any single individual,” but “the outcome of broad-based consultations involving party leaders, elders, and stakeholders across the three senatorial districts.”
According to the APC, the zoning arrangement reflects its “long-standing commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, balance, and unity.”
The party further explained that, following the zoning consensus, “the responsibility for identifying and recommending a candidate rests solely with leaders and stakeholders from Delta South Senatorial District,” whose consultations it described as “thorough, independent, and guided by equity, acceptability, political realities, and the overriding need to preserve party unity and stability.”
“Their recommendation reflects the collective will of Delta South stakeholders — not the agenda of any individual,” the statement emphasized.
The APC also dismissed suggestions of discrimination between so-called “old” and “new” members, stating that “the point of entry into the party does not constitute an impediment to any member’s political ambition within the party.”
While affirming that “every qualified member has the constitutional right to aspire to leadership,” the party cautioned that “no aspirant has the right to distort facts, mislead the public, or attempt to discredit a legitimate and transparent process simply because outcomes may not align with personal ambition.”
The leadership warned against actions capable of destabilizing the party, declaring that it “will not allow unfounded accusations, political desperation, or personal grievances to derail a process designed to strengthen our internal structures.”
Calling for calm, the party urged all aspirants and members “to conduct themselves with discipline, maturity, and respect for party supremacy,” noting that “the APC is bigger than any individual ambition.”
Reaffirming its confidence in the process, the Delta APC maintained that it remains “firmly united, focused, and determined to consolidate its growing strength across the State,” expressing optimism that the congress outcome “will reflect the will of party stakeholders and further reinforce APC’s reputation as a party anchored on democracy, fairness, and justice.”
