WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State APC chieftain and state chairmanship aspirant, Honourable Ebiakpo Ezebri, has applauded the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his political structure from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to the All Progressives Congress, APC, calling it “a major win” for the party in the state. “We’ve gained a governor without a fight, no bloodshed, no internal battles. That’s a major win for us,” Ezebri declared in an exclusive interview.
Ezebri, a founding member of the APC in Delta and a former State Financial Secretary and Treasurer, announced his intention to run for the State Chairmanship position of the APC in the upcoming congresses. “I can confirm that I am running… I believe I have what it takes to lead the party. I have paid my dues,” he stated.
He linked APC’s 2023 electoral loss in Delta to what he called a strategic zoning error. “The governorship candidate and the state party chairman both came from Delta Central. That’s never been the tradition anywhere. It disrupted the balance and cost us dearly,” Ezebri said.
With the new political dynamics following the PDP-APC fusion in Delta, Ezebri is positioning himself as a unifier. “What we need now is a leader with a broad, inclusive mindset — someone who carries no malice or bias… I intend to be a chairman for all,” he said, promising an open-door leadership that gives equal opportunity to both original APC members and new defectors.
He warned, however, that peace would only prevail if the incoming structure respects the contributions of founding APC members. “If you enter someone’s house respectfully, they will give you a room. But if you try to push out those who built the house, there will be resistance,” he cautioned.
Addressing the issue of zoning, Ezebri argued that Delta South — and specifically the Ijaw people — deserve the party chairmanship. “Since 2014, the Ijaws have not held any major or sensitive position in the party. It is fair and just that the chairmanship be zoned to us now,” he said.
Ezebri expressed confidence that the influx of PDP elements would strengthen APC rather than spark internal conflict — provided fairness is upheld. “There’s no crisis if there’s mutual respect. We’ve already seen successful joint activities at the ward level,” he revealed.
On party restructuring, Ezebri emphasized unity as the most powerful political weapon. “Politics should be about give and take… everyone must be carried along,” he said, adding that he will work to ensure recognition and inclusion of all loyal party members.
In response to fears over emerging coalitions at the national level, Ezebri dismissed their influence in Delta. “They don’t have grassroots support here. APC and PDP are the only real political players in this state,” he asserted.
Instead, his strategy would focus on local consolidation. “My priority as State Chairman would be unity, mobilization, and grassroots engagement,” Ezebri said.
Reflecting on his nearly three-decade-long political journey, Ezebri said he had contested multiple elections and held various positions since 1999. “I’ve been actively involved in politics for about 27 years now. This is not a new race for me — it’s a continuation of a committed journey,” he stated.
Ultimately, Ezebri called for harmony and strategic collaboration as the only viable path forward. “Let the new entrants recognize and respect the efforts of old members. That’s the only way we’ll move forward successfully,” he concluded.
