The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has reaffirmed its confidence in the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, following recent calls for his removal.
In a resolution signed by a "majority" of the State Working Committee members, National Assembly representatives, and key party stakeholders, the leaders dismissed the petition against Sobotie as baseless and an attempt to sow division within the party.
Recall that a petition was reportedly signed by Deputy Chairman Francis Obigbor and State Secretary Peter Akarogbe and was addressed to the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. However, party leaders in Delta State have condemned the move, describing it as a desperate effort to misrepresent the party’s stance. They also criticized what they called fraudulent name compilations for publications without members' consent.
According to the resolution, Sobotie’s leadership has strengthened the party through effective administration, conflict resolution, and unity-building efforts. The signatories credited him with enhancing APC’s influence in the state and ensuring its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
Prominent figures who endorsed the vote of confidence include Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, and Senators Ned Nwoko, Ede Dafinone, and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas. Other signatories include former governorship candidates, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor and Chief Great Ogboru, party executives, former federal and state lawmakers, and high-ranking officials.
The statement urged all party members to ignore distractions and focus on strengthening the APC in Delta State. It emphasized the need for unity to prevent internal sabotage and ensure the party's success in upcoming elections.
The statement reads in part:
"We, the undersigned leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, including members of the National Assembly, the State Working Committee, and other key stakeholders, having reviewed the leadership and management of the Party under the stewardship of our State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, unequivocally reaffirm our full confidence in the leadership of the State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie.
"This decision follows the recent misguided and unwarranted petition for his removal, signed by the Deputy Chairman, Francis Obigbor, and the State Secretary, Peter Akarogbe, purportedly on behalf of the State Executive Committee and addressed to the National Chairman, HE Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. We categorically dismiss the allegations as baseless, divisive, and against the collective interest of our great Party in Delta State. We, the undersigned majority members of the State Working Committee, have consistently been consulted on all actions and steps taken so far by the State Chairman, and we approved such.
"We strongly condemn the ongoing fraud of compiling names of members of our party in Delta State whose names are used for all kinds of publications by a handful of individuals to massage the ego of an individual without the consent of these members and without obtaining their signatures. It reeks of unbridled desperation.
"We fully endorse and support all steps and decisions taken under his exemplary leadership to strengthen and grow the Party at all levels which has significantly contributed to the advancement of the Party in the political landscape of Delta State.
"We recognize the various achievements recorded under his leadership, including effective party administration, conflict resolution, and fostering unity and cohesion among Party members. His unwavering commitment to the principles and vision of the APC has strengthened our position as a formidable force in Delta State.
"Given his outstanding leadership, we unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Elder Omeni Sobotie as the State Chairman of the APC in Delta State. We affirm our continued support and cooperation in his efforts to consolidate and expand the Party’s influence in the State.
"We urge all members of the APC in Delta State to disregard these attacks and calls for his removal as distractions orchestrated by desperate individuals who do not have the Party's best interest at heart and to remain united, focused, and supportive of the leadership of Elder Omeni Sobotie. It is our collective responsibility to work together to achieve the Party’s objectives and ensure electoral success in the forthcoming general elections in 2027.
"Let us move forward together, committed to our common goals of building a more cohesive party structure and working collaboratively to advance the interests of our Party as we resist any attempt at internal sabotage, division, and disunity."
