UGHELLI/Nigeria: A major controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State as the leadership of the Ughelli North Local Government Chapter has dismissed what it described as a “purported suspension and replacement” of its executive officers, declaring the move unconstitutional, fraudulent, and “dead on arrival.”
In a swift counteraction, the party also announced the indefinite suspension of some of its executives, including Samuel Evwighono, Juliet Oduma, Daniel Osiebe, Pharm. Ogaabe Suzzy, Omokiniovo John, Onakpoma Philip, Ekama Ufuoma, Sobotie Paul, and Emeyarakpo Ufuoma, for “gross misconduct,” describing them as impostors and destabilising agents.
In a strongly worded rejoinder addressed to the Delta State Working Committee of the APC and signed by the Ughelli North APC Chairman, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, and Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze (ACArb), the leadership faulted the alleged emergency meeting of October 4, 2025, during which a vote of no confidence was reportedly passed on its top executives. According to the letter, there was no such meeting at the party secretariat on the said date. “The Chairman, Mr. Obakpororo Onoabedje, never called any meeting on the said day, nor did the Secretary, who is the custodian of the keys to the secretariat, authorise access for any meeting. Any such claim is entirely false and fabricated,” the statement read.
The Ughelli North APC executives described the alleged suspension as a “flagrant breach and rape of the party’s constitution,” citing Article 2 of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), which upholds constitutional supremacy, and declaring the purported action illegal and void. Quoting several legal precedents, including Majigiri vs Yusuf (2023) and Ariori vs Elemo (1983), the party officers emphasised that the so-called meeting and its outcome were unconstitutional and devoid of fair hearing, a fundamental principle of justice.
They described as “ridiculous” the claim that the chairman had failed to convene meetings since June 2023, insisting that “the Chairman, alongside two-thirds majority of the Local Government Executive Committee, have held meetings and discharged their duties effectively to the admiration of party members.” The rejoinder also noted that new members were registered and issued party cards as recently as May 15, 2025.
Responding to allegations of anti-party activities, the leaders maintained that the Chairman, Secretary, and Organising Secretary had consistently engaged in party-building efforts, reconciling members, and promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They accused unnamed impostors of attempting to destabilise the party at the grassroots level in violation of the constitution.
In a startling revelation, the Ughelli North APC alleged that one of the signatories to the purported suspension letter, Chief Dickson Umukoro, was deceased, rendering the document invalid. “The signatories of the purported resolution do not form part of the appropriate organ empowered to call or vote at such a meeting,” the rejoinder stated, describing the act as a fabrication by desperate elements trying to impose themselves through forged documents.
Reaffirming their legitimacy, the local executives stressed that the Ughelli North chapter under Chairman Obakpororo Onoabedje remains united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The state of the Ughelli North Local Government Area Executive Committee under Chairman Obakpororo Onoabedje’s leadership is very strong and well-positioned to ensure that our party continues to grow stronger as we sweep all political offices at the polls in the next general elections,” the statement affirmed.
In a follow-up resolution, the Ughelli North APC passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze, and Mr. Henry Ophori for their transparent leadership and commitment to unity. The statement declared that the current executives remain the duly recognised and legitimate officers of the APC in Ughelli North. It further warned that no member should transact any party matter with the suspended individuals, who it described as impostors and meddlesome interlopers.
The chapter cited Article 215 (vi) of the APC Constitution as the basis for the indefinite suspension of the nine members for gross misconduct, insubordination, and breach of party discipline. However, it noted that an investigation committee would be set up to examine the infractions and give the affected persons fair hearing in line with party procedures.
The statement also cautioned recent decampees allegedly trying to cause division within the party to desist from such actions, reiterating the commitment of the Ughelli North APC to discipline, internal democracy, and unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It also commended President Tinubu for his transformative leadership and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his MORE Agenda, which it said was transforming Delta into an emerging model of good governance.
Copies of the rejoinder have been forwarded to the APC National Chairman, National Working Committee, and other key officers of the party for necessary action.
