…backs re-election of Tinubu, Oborevwori in 2027
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Coalition for Equity (DNCE) have called on the national leadership of the party and the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure the inclusion of long-standing party members in governance.
They made the call during a recent coalition meeting held in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as the continued exclusion of pioneer and loyal APC members from key decision-making processes and political appointments.
Speaking at the gathering, the Convener of the APC DNCE, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, emphasised that sustainable party growth and effective governance could only be achieved when those who laboured for the party’s survival are recognised and fully carried along.
He urged Governor Oborevwori and the national leadership of the APC to promote equity, fairness, and inclusiveness, noting that many founding members have remained steadfast despite political challenges and frustrations.
“We have been in the party for years without defecting and have not benefited from the party we diligently formed. We do not want those who joined later to override us. We do not want to continue to be in bondage,” Ikpeazu said.
He called on the national leadership of the party to establish a clear framework that prioritizes old APC members for leadership positions at the ward, local government, and state levels, stressing that such an approach would foster unity and understanding.
“The coming congress should be devoid of conflict. Governor Oborevwori should also consider old APC members in appointments across the state. It is the turn of Delta North to produce the state party chairman, as Delta South and Central have already done. Once it is zoned here, we will harmonize and present our best candidate. This will help mend fences ahead of 2027,” he added.
The Secretary of the coalition, Hon. Kemmer Enina, warned that marginalising founding members could weaken party unity, noting that exclusion breeds discontent and undermines loyalty.
Similarly, Ambassador Kenneth Rafua, a coalition leader, stated that inclusion is not a privilege but a right, adding that experienced party members possess the vital institutional memory needed to strengthen governance.
Another leader, Ben LionHeart Williams, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions that could alienate committed members, describing unity as the backbone of political success.
The coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Barr. Williams Agholor said the group’s position was not driven by bitterness but by genuine concern for the future of the APC and effective governance in Delta State.
Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Ohai, the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and a pioneer APC member, recalled the sacrifices made by early members of the party and called for deliberate efforts to reintegrate them into governance structures.
Other members, including Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Ajifo Nwabunma, and Mr. Osafule John, echoed the call for recognition, fairness, and active participation of founding members in government affairs.
The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the government, while urging party leaders to address their concerns in the interest of unity and progress.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to working toward the re-election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
