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  • Delta APC crisis: Emerhor’s reconciliation report raises hope of lasting peace, unity

    Delta APC crisis: Emerhor’s reconciliation report raises hope of lasting peace, unity

    By Comrade Unue Emeka

    Peace has remained elusive to the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since the formation of the party on 6th February, 2013, from a merger of three largest opposition parties. APC filed for its first-ever electoral contest in Nigeria in Delta through Olorogun O’tega Emerhor who sought to replace the late Senator Akpor Pius Ewherido, who was then senator representing Delta Central in the Senate. Late Senator Ewherido was one of the leading national figures in Nigeria that formed APC. He, however, died barely few months after the party was formed on June 30, 2013. Ewherido’s demise left the party without a leader in Delta as politicians struggled to get hold of the structure for the party at the time.

    The Delta chapter has been embroiled in crisis since that election when some of its members refused to work for the victory of the party’s candidate in the October senatorial by-election. Since then, it has been one day one fight. From 2013 till date, the Delta APC has not presented a united front for any electoral contest.

    The internal wrangling did not abate in subsequent elections in the state. The situation has led to poor performance for electoral victories at the polls. The internal challenges have also culminated in a fractured party structure that impeded on the party’s performance in the 2023 elections. Though, the party was unable to win the governorship seat, Delta APC made tremendous progress by winning two senatorial seats, a House of Representatives’ seat and seven seats into the Delta State House of Assembly. This is the biggest achievement an opposition party had pulled since return of democracy in 1999 in Delta State.

    The party’s loss in the 2023 election was blamed on internal strife as some party members worked against some candidates of the party, particularly the governorship candidate and then Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    Immediately after the 2023 general elections, the party was thrown into a major crisis with counter-accusations against some leaders of the party. The crisis led the Elder Omeni Sobotie’s headed Delta APC to constitute a Reconciliation Committee chaired by the party’s 2015 governorship candidate and founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to meet with aggrieved chieftains across the state.

    The Emerhor-led committee was tasked with investigating the causes of this disunity and proposing a path forward. Months after the committee was set up, the committee has since submitted her report to the State Working Committee (SWC). The report comprehensively detailed causes of internal conflicts, grievances, and a set of strategic recommendations to mend the party and position it for success in future elections.

    Party Divided Against Herself 

    According to the report, the committee identified that Delta APC is severely fragmented, weakened by distrust among its leaders and divisions among its members. It noted that though there are many prominent and influential leaders within the party, but these figures lead separate factions, creating an environment of mistrust and competition rather than collaboration. This disunity has filtered down to the grassroots level, where party members, following their respective leaders, are equally divided and suspicious of one another.

    “The party is divided, and the State Working Committee (SWC), tasked with leading the party, is not strong enough to unite the members. The SWC’s members are themselves fractured, and because of this, the committee lacks the leadership required to heal the divisions,” the report partly read. 

    Further compounding these challenges, the SWC suffers from a lack of legitimacy. The report reveals that the committee was not formed through an inclusive process, leaving many leaders feeling detached and disconnected from its activities. “The SWC’s composition was flawed from the start,” the report notes. Adding, “Many leaders do not feel ownership of the committee, and there is no process for funding its activities.”

    In addition to these internal conflicts, the committee identified several external factors that have contributed to the weakening of the party. These include poor communication, lack of regular meetings, financial underfunding, and an overall lack of trust in leadership.

    The Path to Reconciliation

    To address these issues, the committee has proposed several key strategies aimed at unifying the party and restoring its effectiveness. A central recommendation is the establishment of a Delta APC Leadership Council, which will serve as a collegiate leadership body to unify the various factions.

    The report suggests that this council should include a wide range of political figures, such as governors, former governors, ministers, senators, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC). “Delta APC does not have a governor to provide central leadership,” the report explains. “As a result, a leadership council that includes the most influential figures from all strata of the party is necessary.”

    The proposed council will be co-chaired by the immediate past governorship candidate of the party and the current Honourable Minister. The leadership of the council will ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach to party decision-making. The council’s functions will include advising the SWC, assisting in funding the party’s activities, and helping to streamline the nomination process for appointments and elections.

    Beyond the state-level leadership, the committee also emphasised the importance of building unity at the grassroots level. To this end, the report calls for the establishment of Senatorial Councils, Local Government Area (LGA) Councils, and Ward Councils. These councils are designed to foster unity within local structures, reduce factionalism, and ensure that party members at all levels feel included in the decision-making process.

    The Senatorial Councils, for example, will be responsible for addressing issues related to party unity and will involve key stakeholders such as current and former federal and state political appointees, legislators, and party executives. Each council will meet quarterly, with a quorum of one-third of members required for decisions to be made.

    At the LGA level, councils will work closely with the Senatorial Councils to unite factions, while Ward Councils will focus on grassroots mobilization and engagement. The report emphasizes that these councils will prioritize unity above all else, working together to align the party’s efforts and build a more cohesive structure.

    Nexus Between Party Funding and Internal Democracy

    One of the most pressing issues identified in the report is the party’s lack of a consistent and reliable funding mechanism. The committee recommends that the State Leadership Council take responsibility for instituting and overseeing fundraising efforts, with a focus on monthly levies from members, particularly political appointees, elected officials, and other influential figures within the party.

    “The current system of fundraising is inadequate,” the report highlights. “The lack of funding has significantly hindered the ability of the party at all levels to meet its operational needs and hold regular meetings.”

    In addition to financial restructuring, the report also tackles issues of internal democracy, which has been a source of considerable grievance among party members. The committee recommends that the Leadership Council work with the National Working Committee (NWC) to conduct inclusive congresses where positions are contested on a level playing field. This approach would avoid the imposition of candidates and officials, which has led to dissatisfaction and discontent within the party ranks.

    “We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past congresses,” the report asserts. “There must be an inclusive, transparent process that respects the rights of all party members.

    “The leadership of the council shall compose of the immediate past governorship candidate of the party and the current honourable minister as co-chairmen. A secretary to council shall be designated/elected  from among members at the inaugural meeting. The secretary shall come from a senatorial district different from those of the co-chairmen. Council meetings, secretary to council shall convene meetings of the council after consultation with the leadership. The secretary may convene a meeting upon the request of the state party chairman if the co-chairmen fail to agree to call a meeting. 

    The council shall meet at least once in every quarter and meetings of the council shall be hosted by member leaders on a rotational/ voluntary basis. This is to assist foster friendships and camaraderie. However, emergency meeting(s) can be convened in-between by the secretary subject to consultation and approval by the council leadership or upon request by the state chairman. The quorum for meetings of the council shall be 1/3 of the members provided a co-chairman and the state party chairman are present. Decisions by the council shall be by a simple majority of those in attendance.

    The report also details the grievances expressed by party members during the reconciliation process. Key issues include:

    Disunity and Distrust: The failure of party leaders to work together and support the collective interests of the party has led to fragmented support and ineffective campaigning.

    Self-Serving Interests: Many leaders are accused of prioritizing personal agendas over the common good, which has resulted in poor decision-making and internal sabotage.

    Imposition of Candidates: The lack of consultation in the selection of candidates and officials has led to widespread dissatisfaction and disaffection.

    Financial Mismanagement: The inadequate funding of election campaigns has left the party vulnerable to financial inducements from opposition parties.

    Lack of Regular Meetings: The failure to hold frequent meetings has left party members uninformed and disconnected from the decision-making process.

    A Unified Future for Delta APC

    The Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee has provided a roadmap for restoring unity and strength to the Delta State APC. Through its recommendations, which include the formation of a Leadership Council, grassroots councils, a sustainable funding strategy, and a commitment to internal democracy, the committee aims to address the long-standing issues that have undermined the party’s cohesion.

    In conclusion, the report offers hope for a united Delta APC capable of challenging for political power in future elections in the oil-rich Delta. However, it is clear that the success of these recommendations will depend on the willingness of party leaders to set aside personal interests and work towards the collective good of the party.

    Sadly, few party leaders for their self preservation and personal interest, are fighting so hard to ensure that this path to success for the Delta APC doesn’t succeed. They have employed all forms of antidemocratic strategies, including outright propaganda spoil and demarket Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Delta APC Reconciliation Committee and it’s implications. The route these leaders took when they hijacked the party structure in a winners takes it all during the last party Congress which resulted in party’s poor outing in the last election even when Deltans were ready for a change of government, but the party failed to capitalize on it because it’s was a “One Strong Man Show!”  

    “The unity of Delta APC rests on the ability of its leaders to trust one another and put the party first,” the report concludes. “Only then can the party regain its strength and achieve victory in future elections.”

    Comrade Unue Emeka, writes from Asaba, Delta State

  • Edo APC chair condemns thugs’ attack on members, lawyers at tribunal

    Edo APC chair condemns thugs’ attack on members, lawyers at tribunal

    Edo State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, has described as unacceptable and condemnable, Monday’s attack on APC members and lawyers at the inaugural sitting of Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal at the state’s High Court complex, Sapele Road, Benin.

    He said Edo APC had alerted security agencies to the planned attack, ‘’but sadly, the police ignored the information.’’

    Tenebe said yesterday in Benin that many APC members and lawyers were caught unawares by the invasion of the court complex by the thugs.

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    He said: “The thugs attacked APC members and some lawyers representing us and other political parties, with many people sustaining injuries.

    “The thugs, who were seen in branded T-shirts and fez caps, came with axes, bottles and other dangerous weapons, which they used on APC members, who did not provoke any fight. They took over the court premises and adjoining streets, without resistance from the police.

    “In the circumstance, Edo APC will not guarantee the restraining of our members in subsequent court dates. We are left with no option, but to defend ourselves.”

    The chairman urged members of the party to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, admonishing residents of the state to continue to support the focused and visionary administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

  • Adeleke: Doguwa apologises to Osun APC, says I’ll never demarket the people’s party

    Adeleke: Doguwa apologises to Osun APC, says I’ll never demarket the people’s party

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has apologised to the Osun chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he is the chief promoter of the party.

    The party had, via a statement by the Osun APC spokesperson, Mr Kola Olabisi, on Monday accused Doguwa of demarketing the party with his utterances at this year’s Ede Day celebrations.

    Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, at the event last Saturday in Ede, where his statement was twisted to demarket the APC in the state.

    In his swift reaction, Doguwa said he remains the chief promoter of the All Progressives Congress in all parts of the country as a founding party member. 

    He said the media team of the PDP in Osun State deliberately quoted him out of context, but that will not stop APC from reclaiming the state in the 2026 governorship election.

    ” I was quoted out of context. Honestly, the PDP media team in Osun misused my jokes to attack our party, APC, in the context of their local political tussles. It was indeed quite unfortunate; they used my innocent comments to score cheap political gains,” he said.

    Read Also: Murder trial: Doguwa affirms confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary

    Apologising to the party in Osun State, he said: ” I wish to tender my sincere and unreserved apology to our APC family in Osun State. Please accept my profound and heartfelt apologies. By God’s grace, the days of the PDP are numbered in Osun State. In 2026, our party will bounce back in the state, Insha Allah.

    ” I will always remain a loyal and proud member of the APC, the largest political party in Africa. As a founding member of the APC, I’m the chief promoter of the party not only in Kano but across the country.

    ” I urge my APC compatriots in Osun to accept my apologies for what may have appeared to be underlying comments or statements against my party. I never meant to undermine or embarrass my mother’s party for any reason whatsoever. Thank you.”

  • Lagos APC chair hails Rep

    Lagos APC chair hails Rep

    The Chairman of Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has lauded the member representing Ifako/Ijaye Federal Constituency, Benjamin Olabinjo, for providing quality representation and empowering his constituents.

    Speaking at a mega empowerment event tagged: ‘BAO Mega Empowerment Programme’, which he described as “the first of its kind” organised by the federal lawmaker in Lagos, the APC chairman said Olabinjo’s gesture would further endear the people of the constituency and Lagos State to the APC.

    Read Also: Tax reform: Bill will tackle poverty, increase productivity – Osun APC chieftain

    Urging the beneficiaries to judiciously utilise the empowerment tools to enhance their small-scale businesses, Ojelabi noted that Olabinjo’s progressive representation had made the APC the party to beat in the constituency.  

  • Akpeki lacks authority to submit report to NWC, says Delta APC

    Akpeki lacks authority to submit report to NWC, says Delta APC

    The Delta chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from the recent actions of Chief Paulinus Akpeki, the Vice Chairman for Delta Central Senatorial District on the purported submission of a reconciliation report to the party’s National Chairman.

    In a statement by Chief Francis Obigbor, Acting Chairman of the Delta APC, the party clarified that Chief Akpeki lacked the authority to receive or present the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led reconciliation committee’s report on behalf of the State Working Committee. Chief Obigbor described Akpeki’s actions as an overreach and intentional attempt to create confusion within the party.

    The Delta APC called on the party’s National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to disregard any report or representation by Chief Akpeki, emphasising that these actions were unauthorised.

    Chief Obigbor reassured party members and stakeholders, urging them to remain calm and focused, despite the distraction caused by this incident. He reaffirmed that he, as Acting Chairman, was awaiting the formal submission of the reconciliation report from the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor committee.

    Once the report is received, Chief Obigbor stated his intention to present it to the State Working Committee, the State Caucus, and the State Executive Committee for comprehensive deliberation and appropriate action.

    He also emphasized his commitment to serving as Acting Chairman until Elder Omeni Sobotie, the substantive chairman, resumes duties in person and presides over meetings held at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

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    The statement reads: “The attention of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to an unauthorized presentation by Chief Paulinus Akpeki, the Vice Chairman of Delta Central Senatorial District, who purportedly received a report from the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led reconciliation committee on behalf of the State Working Committee of the Party.

    “We categorically state that Chief Akpeki has no authority to receive any report or present the same before the National Chairman. His actions are a clear usurpation of power and a deliberate attempt to confuse within the party.

    “We urge the National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to discount this report and any actions taken by Chief Akpeki.

    “To all our party faithful and stakeholders, we urge you to remain calm and not be distracted by this unauthorized action.

    “As the Acting Chairman of the Delta State APC, I continue to await the O’tega Emerhor committee’s report. Once received, I intend to present it before the State Working Committee, State Caucus, and State Executive Committee for rigorous debate and further action, if necessary.

    “I will continue to act as Chairman until Elder Omeni Sobotie returns and physically attends to preside over a meeting called to and held at the State Secretariat, Asaba.”

  • Olawepo-Hashim unites FCT APC, PDP for peace

    Olawepo-Hashim unites FCT APC, PDP for peace

    A former presidential candidate and businessman, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has brought together the chairmen of all the area council chapters of the two major political parties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The historic meeting, which took place yesterday, was convened to promote national unity, prosperity, and security beyond the political divides.

     The initiative is seen as a timely intervention in a period when Nigeria faces challenges that require collective action and bipartisan cooperation.

    During the event, Olawepo-Hashim emphasised the need to prioritise the nation’s interest over partisan politics.

    “Our mission is clear: to restore Nigeria’s unity, ensure prosperity for all, and guarantee security for our people. This can only be achieved when we work together, regardless of party affiliation,” he said.

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    The chairmen of both parties in the FCT applauded the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards fostering peace and collaboration.

    They pledged to support efforts that prioritise the welfare of Nigerians above political competition.

    Olawepo-Hashim’s landmark meeting marked a rare display of political maturity and unity where representatives of rival parties put aside their differences and discussed solutions for the country’s pressing challenges.

    As the nation continues to navigate complex issues, Olawepo-Hashim’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that Nigeria’s success depends on collective effort and shared commitment to national development.

  • Tax reform: Bill will tackle poverty, increase productivity – Osun APC chieftain

    Tax reform: Bill will tackle poverty, increase productivity – Osun APC chieftain

    One of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun Central Senatorial district, Tele Oyegoke, has endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform, stating it will tackle poverty and boost the nation’s productivity.

    He encouraged residents of the state to keep faith in Tinubu’s administration, highlighting that his economic drive has resulted in increased funds for all three tiers of government.

    Addressing his supporters in Inisa town of Odo-Otin local government area of Osun State on Saturday, Oyegoke appealed to Nigerians, particularly those in Osun State, to support President Bola Tinubu’s new tax proposals.

    Read Also: Osun APC chieftain berates Adeleke’s decision to relocate Airport to Ede

     He said: “The new tax law is designed to bring relief to the small-scale enterprises and most vulnerable members of society. It will tackle poverty and increase productivity. It will also generate more revenue for the country.”

    He clarified that citizens who earn less than N1 million in a year will also be exempted from tax payments, saying, “The tax reform is necessary to bring about positive change and improve the lives of Nigerians.”

    “Nigerians should keep faith with President Bola Tinubu on his patriotic reforms. He has proven that he is capable of driving the country to economic freedom and financial prosperity. This can be confirmed by the increase in revenue available to all tiers of government since May 2023 when he came on board.

    “In Osun State, the budget projection for federal allocation in 2024 is N99.9 billion, but as of the third quarter of the year (end of September), the state had already made N153 billion. What this means is that by the end of the year, the state would have got N180 billion to N190 billion,” he submitted

  • Olawepo-Hashim unites APC, PDP leaders in FCT for national unity

    Olawepo-Hashim unites APC, PDP leaders in FCT for national unity

    In a groundbreaking political development, former presidential candidate and renowned statesman, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has brought together the chairmen of all area council chapters of the two major political parties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The historic meeting, which took place yesterday, was convened to promote national unity, prosperity, and security beyond political divides.

     Olawepo-Hashim’s initiative is seen as a timely intervention in a period when Nigeria faces challenges that require collective action and bipartisan cooperation.

    Speaking during the event, Olawepo-Hashim emphasised the importance of prioritizing the nation’s interest over partisan politics. 

    “Our mission is clear—to restore Nigeria’s unity, ensure prosperity for all, and guarantee security for our people. This can only be achieved when we work together, regardless of party affiliation,” he stated.

    The chairmen of both APC and PDP in the FCT applauded the initiative, describing it as a bold step towards fostering peace and collaboration. They pledged to support efforts that prioritize the welfare of Nigerians above political competition.

    This landmark meeting marks a rare display of political maturity and unity, as representatives of rival parties put aside their differences to discuss solutions for the country’s pressing challenges.

    As the nation continues to navigate complex issues, this initiative by Olawepo-Hashim serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that Nigeria’s success depends on collective effort and shared commitment to national development.

    This move has sparked widespread praise and is expected to inspire similar bipartisan collaborations across the country.

  • Adamawa APC reconciliation committee vows to reclaim state in 2027

    Adamawa APC reconciliation committee vows to reclaim state in 2027

    The Adamawa State All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation committee, led by Senator Muhammed Mana, has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the state from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections.

    The APC in Adamawa became factionalized before the 2023 elections, prompting the National Working Committee (NWC) to establish the reconciliation committee to address internal divisions.

    Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday night, Mana stated that the committee has been tasked with resolving disputes and uniting members in preparation for the next elections.

    He added that the committee’s focus is on engaging aggrieved members, rebuilding grassroots connections, and strengthening the party’s structure in the state to ensure a strong and cohesive APC ahead of 2027.

    “You know, Adamawa state is a very critical state in Nigeria, and we want to make sure that the coming election, APC wins majority of the seats in the state. 

    “We want to make sure that the state goes back to its former position. Now we will go back and tell everybody in the state that it’s time to unite. You know, our crisis started from the primary election, the general relationship, those people who lost the election , those people who think that they were not properly rewarded for their contributions in the state. We want to go and beg them and make sure that the party is unified under the banner of the broom of APC. The national chairman has charged us to go and discharge the duty.

    Read Also: Councils’ APC chiefs seek unity, cohesion for development

    “Apart from appealing to our party members, we will go down to the grassroot, to the unit level, to the local government level, to the ward level, to ensure that everybody comes along and join the group,” Mana said.

    He added that majority of the members of the committee have contested and held different positions but came out of retirement to rescue the party in the state and also, to create a platform for the young generation in the party to contest.

    “Our intention is to make sure that everybody comes back. That’s why we are starting very early. The 2027 election is about two or three years to go. So, that’s why we are starting very early to go down to the all the nooks and crannies of Adamawa State to woo people to come back,” Mana said.

    Another member of the committee, Senator Binta Masi who expressed confidence in the competence of the  committee said, “We believe that we cannot move forward if we are not together, binded together. And as we are moving now, a lot of people have starting seeing that indeed there is light in the tunnel, and people are coming back. 

    “So the battle line has been drawn, and by the special grace of the Almighty, we will do what we did eight years back. We will repeat it again in 2027” Masi said.

    The eight-member reconciliation team includes prominent politicians such as Senators Bello Tukur, Abubakar Girei, and Binta Masi, as well as Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakubu, Dr. Bridget Zidon, and Barr. Isa Baba, who serves as Secretary.

  • 2026: Osun APC chair Eniade mobilises over 20,000 youths in central district

    2026: Osun APC chair Eniade mobilises over 20,000 youths in central district

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, alongside a party leader, Damilare Eniade, and others, has intensified efforts to mobilise youths into the party.

    As part of the mobilisation drive, Eniade donated chairs, a public address system, and other materials to support the APC leadership during its tour of Ifelodun, Boripe, and Odo-Otin councils in the Osun Central Senatorial District.

    Speaking to youths in Ile-Ife before the tour, Lawal expressed optimism about the party’s strength, stating, “Our party is getting stronger every day as we have pruned distractors from our great party. Propaganda will not save the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2026.”

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    “I must commend Eniade moves by mobilising youths into APC fold, this will make us get stronger as a party ahead of 2026 poll.”

    Earlier, Eniade said: “With this out momentum we are capable of dislodging the ruling party in 2026 governorship election in Osun State. 

    “The leadership of APC has made the party to be an envy to even the ruling party and I am here to corroborate their effort by mobilising youths in three local government areas in Osun Central. We have wooed over 20,000 youths into the APC fold and we are winning more.”