By Ovasa Ogaga,
In a groundbreaking show of unity, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on Friday convened in Evwreni, passing a unanimous vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
The meeting—described as a turning point in local and state politics—was hosted by APC founding leader in Delta, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON. And it marked the first large-scale gathering since the defection of members from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC and was aimed at fostering peace, integrating new members, and positioning the party for future electoral victories.
The confidence vote was moved by Professor Sam Iboje and seconded by Hon. Samuel Mariere, receiving full support from party stakeholders in attendance.
Elder Omeni Sobotie, Delta APC State Chairman, hailed the gathering as historic and transformative: “Today marks the end of violence in Ughelli North politics. When a group of people are united, nothing can stop them. We are now united, and nothing can stop us.”
He reaffirmed the party’s inclusive philosophy, stating, “In APC, your rights are determined by your input—not how long you’ve been here. Everyone has a place, and the party will support you to grow.” Praising the peaceful tone of the meeting, Sobotie added, “When God is with you, He compels all circumstances to cooperate with you. That’s what we are seeing today.”
In his keynote address, Olorogun Emerhor emphasized the strategic relevance of the gathering, referencing past political disappointments: “After the 2023 election, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu didn’t get 25 percent in Delta. That was painful. But he has not turned his back on us. He considers Delta part of his constituency. His wife is from here. And he has supported this unity effort from the very top.”
Emerhor also acknowledged Governor Oborevwori’s role in ensuring political stability. “The crisis-ridden APC is a thing of the past. We now speak with one voice, and we know our leader,” he declared.
New APC entrants, including Elder Terry Noah, Engr. Christabel Obiuvwevbie, Chief George Oyefie, and Hon. Onoriode Aguofure, offered goodwill messages, pledging loyalty to the party and its leadership.
Terry Noah expressed full commitment on behalf of new members, commending Emerhor’s leadership: “We are coming wholeheartedly into the party.”
Engr. Obiuvwevbie added a spiritual note, quoting Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”
A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation and adoption of an eight-point communiqué aimed at strengthening the APC in Ughelli North and across Delta State. Among the key resolutions were:
A collective resolve to work in unity under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Affirmation of joint party leadership under Elder Omeni Sobotie, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, and Chief Terry Noah.
A declaration that all APC members—new and old—are equal and entitled to the same privileges and opportunities.
Prominent party leaders who appended their signatures to the resolution passed at the end of the gathering, were Elder Omeni Sobotie, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor (OON), and Rt. Hon. Festus Agas, Olorogun Surv. Terry Noah, Hon. Stella Okotete, and Hon. Spencer Ohwofa.
Others are Hon. Onoriode Agofure and Prof. S.W.E. Ibodje lent their voices, alongside Chief Morrison Olori and Chief Oghene Omoru, Ogbuefi George Oyefia, Chief Fred Majemite, and Olorogun Isaac Akpoveta, all of whom have maintained significant influence in the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts. Hon. Charles Oniyere and Chief (Maj.) P.A. Egone (rtd), Chief S.G.O. Kohwo and Hon. Sam Mariere, also added their names to the communique, reflecting the strong alignment within the leadership structure.
The Evwreni meeting signaled a new chapter of cohesion and renewed political energy for the APC in Delta State.
