ASABA/Nigeria: Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State on Sunday formally welcomed Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru back into the party, alongside thousands of his supporters, in a grand ceremony held at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall.
The event was attended by prominent party leaders, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN); Director, NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete; Member Representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive; Delta APC Chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie; Chief Paulinus Akpeki; Hon. Halims Agoda; APC founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Godsday Orubebe; and Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, among others.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Ogboru expressed gratitude to the party leadership for receiving him back into the fold. “I thank you for welcoming me back to this house. A special thank you to the Hon. Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN); State Chairman, Omeni Sobotie; Stella Okotete; and to all who have remained steadfast in the quest for good governance and the democratization of our state. This house is getting stronger and better,” he said. He pledged to work closely with the party’s leadership to strengthen the APC’s presence in Delta State, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring that the party takes over governance for the benefit of the people.
In his remarks, Keyamo, who led the reception, described Ogboru’s return as a homecoming, dismissing attempts by certain individuals to sabotage the event with false radio announcements. “There is nowhere in politics where someone can stop people from joining a party. It is not done. You cannot close the door on people who want to join the party,” he said.
Keyamo also lauded Ogboru’s political resilience, noting his significant influence in Delta State politics despite operating without federal backing. “Ogboru, who has won over 12 LGAs, Senate, and Assembly seats at the height of opposition in Delta State when PDP was PDP in Delta, did this without federal power or appointments. He is an authentic opposition leader. And come 2027, PDP will fall,” he declared.
On her part, Stella Okotete commended Ogboru’s political journey, stating that his return would fortify the APC’s electoral prospects in Delta State. She lamented the party’s poor showing in the last general election, attributing it to internal divisions. “But thank God, Delta State APC is now stronger than ever before. It was a shame that we could only deliver 14% of the votes nationally. It was a poor outcome because some of us, who were critical stakeholders of the party, were shut out of the process. But this time, we are going to win by a landslide,” she assured.
Earlier, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, who formally presented Ogboru to the APC College of Leaders, described the moment as historic, praising him as a leader of immense political experience. “Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru’s return to APC is a significant milestone for the party. He brings with him a wealth of experience, wisdom, and an unyielding spirit that will undoubtedly propel our great party to new heights,” Akpeki said, urging party members to embrace unity as they prepare for future electoral contests.
