The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has strongly dismissed objections to the re-entry of Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru into the party, describing them as baseless and misleading.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party criticized a group operating under the name "Elders and Leaders of Ethiope East LGA" for condemning Ogboru’s return. The APC leadership reaffirmed that the party's constitution does not prohibit any individual from rejoining, provided they meet the stipulated guidelines.
"The assertions that his return is unethical and unconstitutional are misleading, baseless, and lacking in merit. These claims are simply aimed at causing unnecessary disaffection within the party, and we categorically dismiss them," the statement read.
The party emphasized its open-door policy, stating that all progressive-minded individuals are welcome to participate and contribute to the growth of the APC. It also dismissed any attempts by individuals or groups to dictate the terms of membership, affirming that such decisions rest solely with the National Working Committee.
Describing Ogboru as a "household name and a major political force in Delta State," the party maintained that his return strengthens the APC’s structure and enhances its prospects for future political engagements. It accused those opposing his re-entry of being driven by personal and parochial political interests, warning that any attempts to undermine the process would be resisted.
Delta APC also highlighted the party's rapid expansion, citing a surge in defections from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It reassured members that all individuals—both old and new—would be given equal opportunities to participate in party affairs.
The party warned that any efforts to sabotage Ogboru’s return would be considered an act of gross misconduct, with severe disciplinary measures to follow. It reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming Ogboru and his supporters back to the party as scheduled on March 9, 2025, urging members to ignore distractions from those attempting to sow discord.
The statement read: "We wish to state unequivocally that the APC constitution is clear on party membership, and no provision in the APC Constitution disqualifies or prohibits any individual from rejoining the party, including those who may have previously pursued their political ambitions through other platforms, provided they meet the stipulated guidelines. Chief Great Ogboru has exercised his fundamental right to rejoin the APC within the democratic principles that guide our Party.
"Delta APC remains a progressive and democratic Party that recognizes the constitutional rights of all individuals, including Chief Great Ogboru, to freely associate, participate, and contribute to the growth of the Party in any part of the State, as we operate an open-door policy that encourages inclusivity, unity, and collective loyalty to the supremacy of the Party. We welcome all progressive-minded individuals who share our vision for a better Delta State and Nigeria.
"It is, therefore, laughable that a group of individuals who lack the requisite constitutional authority but are driven by personal and parochial political interests should arrogate to themselves the power to dictate the terms under which any person is permitted to join or, for that matter, rejoin the Party. That privilege is and always will remain the exclusive reserve of the National Working Committee of the Party.
"Without a scintilla of doubt, Chief Great Ogboru is a household name and a major political force in Delta State. His decision to rejoin the APC is a welcome development that will strengthen our Party’s structure and enhance our prospects ahead of future political engagements. We view the attempt to undermine his re-entry by the so-called "Ethiope East elders and leaders" as a desperate ploy by those who feel threatened by his towering political influence and re-entry, which is not only undemocratic but also runs contrary to the unity and progress of the Party in Delta, and we will seriously resist it.
"Chief Ogboru’s re-entry is a testament to the growing strength and appeal of our Party in Delta State, which is presently experiencing exponential expansion due to the unprecedented influx of new members defecting daily from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party into our fold, as we are focused on promoting internal democracy and ensuring that *ALL* members—both old and new—are given equal opportunities to participate in the Party affairs as joint stakeholders without intimidation or discrimination.
"APC is a party governed by laws, not by personal sentiments or the whimsical arbitrariness of autocratic tendencies displayed by any individual. Any attempts to sabotage or disrupt Chief Great Ogboru’s re-entry will be considered an act of gross misconduct, and the Party will not hesitate to take severe disciplinary measures against those engaging in such unconstitutional behaviour, as no individual or group has the authority to override the Party’s constitutional provisions.
"Delta APC reaffirms its resolute commitment to receiving Chief Great Ogboru and his supporters back into the Party as scheduled on March 9, 2025. The event will proceed as planned, and we urge our members and supporters to disregard any distractions from elements whose interests are not aligned with the progress of our Party as we consolidate toward 2027 and beyond.
"We call on all genuine Party stakeholders and supporters in Ethiope East and across the State to disregard the antics of those peddling divisive rhetoric, as Delta APC remains united and focused on building a formidable platform that will deliver good governance to the people. We will not be deterred by unfounded objections that serve no meaningful purpose other than attempting to sow discord.
Calling for unity, Delta APC reiterated its focus on building a formidable platform to deliver good governance and expressed confidence in its future political successes.
