ASABA/Nigeria: Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North have reiterated their support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, urging unity under his leadership as they gear up for the 2027 governorship election. This follows their resolve to build on the successes of the 2023 general election.
During a public hearing at the Maryam Babangida Centre in Asaba, convened by the Secretariat Subcommittee of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee, stakeholders submitted memorandums advocating for party cohesion and focus under Omo-Agege’s guidance.
By rallying behind Omo-Agege, Delta North APC leaders reaffirmed their determination to strengthen the party’s foothold in the state and reclaim the governorship in the next elections.
Prominent party figures, including Barr. Ambrose Egwunatum, Mr. Churchill Edem, Ogbueshi Kris Oputa, and Chief Gregory Dike Onah, called for fortifying the party’s structure while pushing for disciplinary actions against members involved in anti-party activities.
Reflecting on the 2023 elections, stakeholders praised the party’s performance despite losing the governorship, noting that significant gains were made in the senatorial and legislative races. Chief Kris Oputa, APC Chairman for Ndokwa East, stressed the party’s solid foundation in the region, crediting Omo-Agege and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for their roles in establishing the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Ndokwa.
Chief Dennis Okoh expressed disappointment over the party’s governorship loss, attributing it to internal betrayal. “We must identify and discipline the moles among us,” he urged, condemning party members for working against the APC.
Meanwhile, Chief Gregory Onah praised the groundwork laid by Omo-Agege and Nwaoboshi, which, he said, positioned the APC as a strong contender in future elections. Kingsley Saliye, another leader, raised concerns about internal sabotage during the last election, calling for a thorough review.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Olisa Imegwu, a former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, criticised the neglect of Ndokwa by successive federal administrations, praising Omo-Agege’s efforts in bringing development to the area.
However, Imegwu took aim at the Minister for Aviation for failing to engage with Ndokwa communities, warning against political appointees who neglect party members.
Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, a prominent APC leader, called for sanctions against those who undermined the party during the 2023 elections. He singled out a former Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) chairman and a former speaker, accusing them of betraying the party.
Nkeweshe alleged that the NDDC chairman distributed money to sway votes against the APC, and that the former speaker mismanaged campaign funds. He stressed that without his efforts, the APC would not have won his ward, urging disciplinary measures to prevent future betrayal.
In a petition presented by Barr. Egwunatum and signed by legal representatives from Delta’s three senatorial districts, the petitioners questioned the Reconciliation Committee’s legitimacy and demanded a comprehensive review of the 2023 election.
The petitioners commended Omo-Agege’s leadership, emphasising the need for a post-mortem analysis of the election to strengthen the party’s chances in 2027.
Elder Godsday Orubebe, speaking after the meeting, echoed the call for unity, expressing confidence that with reconciliation, the APC could clinch the governorship in the next elections.
