Delta APC Faces Leadership Crisis As Gov. Oborevwori Consolidates Control

Barely few days after Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s high-profile move to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signs of internal wrangling have surfaced within the State’s chapter of the party.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports a recent statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Ebata Valentine Onojeghuo, indicates rising tensions and disagreements over leadership of the party.

Onojeghuo revealed that an unidentified individual is attempting to overshadow the governor’s leadership in violation of the party’s constitutional provisions, which designate sitting governors as the leader of their state’s APC chapter.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports before Oborevwori’s defection, the Delta APC was largely divided into two major factions: one led by former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and another aligned with Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, SAN. The Omo-Agege camp held sway over local government chapters and the state party machinery, while the Keyamo faction controlled several elected federal representatives.

But in a firm stance, Governor Oborevwori dismissed these factions during his defection rally at the Cenotaph in Asaba, asserting his authority as the party’s leader in Delta.
 
“…There is confusion and division within the APC in Delta, but with my emergence as governor, all factions must yield to my leadership,” he declared. He called on Omo-Agege and Keyamo to set aside their egos and unite for the party’s progress, pointing out that “the governor takes charge.”

Hear him; “I don’t believe in any faction, whether Omo-Agege or Keyamo faction, everybody must queue and we will unite the party to move this state forward for the benefit of our people and to bring development, peace and unity to our state and Nigeria.” 

Although the structure of APC on ground before Governor Oborevwori cross carpeted is still under the grip of Omo-Agege till probably August when the party may likely conduct fresh ward and local government congresses, the APC leadership believes the governor should take charge of the affairs of the party.

Vice President Kashim Shettima echoed this sentiment at the event, affirming that Oborevwori is the recognized leader of the APC in Delta, as stipulated by the party’s constitution. However, Omo-Agege, who previously served as Deputy Senate President and had been recognized as the party’s leader in the South-South geopolitical zone, maintains huge influence, especially given his gubernatorial ambitions for 2027.

In the order of national protocol, Omo-Agege, being the most-senior ranking political office holder in the state after serving as number six political office holder in the country as Deputy Senate President in the 9th Senate, is assumed the political leader of the party in Delta state moreso when he had emerged as the leader of the party in the South-South geopolitical zone prior 2019.

Political analyst believes these facts, coupled with his ambition as the 2023 governorship candidate of the party in Delta, is the more reason the Delta APC would have Omo-Agege as a force to contend with in the days ahead. 

The internal dynamics suggest looming tussle for the APC’s ticket in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Omo-Agege’s political stature, coupled with his ambition, positions him as a formidable contender, potentially challenging Oborevwori’s leadership and second term ambition.

“Omo-Agege would be a thorn in the flesh of the Delta APC under the leadership of Governor Oborevwori who is likely to seek his return ticket under the same APC which now houses nearly all the political bigwigs and gladiators of the Delta politics”, according to a party chieftain.

Apparently sensing what lies ahead, the Delta State chapter of the APC, on Monday, April 28, issued a statement to formally address the recent developments concerning the leadership structure of the party in State following the official defection and membership of Governor Oborevwori.

Onojeghuo, a protege of Omo-Agege, maintained that the governor’s leadership is “not subject to debate or contention,” asserting that the vice president’s endorsement is the official stance of the national party.
“It is a principle consistent with our Party’s tradition and leadership structure across the federation, whereby the sitting governor of a state under the APC platform becomes the leader of the Party in that state”

“This fact was clearly and unequivocally affirmed by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, during the official defection event. The Vice President’s declaration reflects the official position of the national leadership of our Party and must be respected by all stakeholders and members within the Party in Delta State, as authoritative, binding and final”

His firm stance appears to be a direct rebuttal to any claims by Omo-Agege or other factions that seek to challenge Oborevwori’s authority. The party warned against divisive actions that could undermine unity, vowing to impose sanctions on anyone attempting to destabilize the leadership.

Omo-Agege, whose ambition of becoming the governor in 2027 is already being taunted on social media as ”dead on arrival” with Oborevwori’s decampment to APC but pundits believes as the Delta APC stands right now, many factors would likely determine who emerges as the flagbearer for the 2027 governorship election hence it would be too early to wish any of the possible gladiators away.

The Delta APC of which Sheriff is governor believes it is “strange, arrogant and reprehensible for any individual to continue to arrogate or to parade himself as the leader of the Party in Delta State in clear opposition to the present reality of the governor as leader of the Party. Waxing strongly, the party “warn that we will not tolerate any dissenting opinions or actions that seek to challenge or undermine this fact”.

Continuing, Onojeghuo further warned; “Any such posture would amount to a deliberate act of provocation and a source of avoidable tension within our Party ranks. Let it be known that such divisive tendencies will be firmly resisted, and anyone who seeks to undermine this position by continuing to parade himself as such will face severe sanctions from the party”.

Political analysts warn that such internal conflicts may hinder the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects, especially as stakeholders scrutinize Oborevwori’s handling of the leadership crisis. The influence of former governor James Ibori remains an unquantified factor, as his support could sway allegiances in the complex Delta political landscape.

“Such an outburst may only erode the party of the gains of the defection as instead of horse-trade to calm nerves, they have decided to maintain the same posture that had exploded the APC in the past. Stakeholders and the electorates are keenly watching Governor Oborevwori how he handles the leadership conundrum in the Delta APC now that the PDP bloc had fused with the once muddled and disorganised party. But one thing that is clear is that while the shattered PDP reign supreme in the state, among the many factors that determine how the pendulum often swing is the Ibori’s factor and it is still not clear where Ibori stand in this current defection political game of the Oborevwori’s administration”.

Ibori, a former governor of Delta state and an ally of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had had a foist relationship with Oborevwori and his predecessor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa following irreconcilable difference arising from Okowa’s failure to allow Ibori produce his successor.  While the ruling party continues to dominate Delta politics, the internal struggles and ambitions of key players like Omo-Agege and others will shape the forthcoming political battles. The forthcoming party congresses and the 2027 gubernatorial race are expected to intensify these rivalries.

While the Delta APC is battling to reconcile these situation and touting the governor as leader of the party, the tussle ahead for the ticket is huge as both Omo-Agege, David Edevbie, though yet to take a stand on the defection, still remain arch rivals to Governor Oborevwori clinching the party’s ticket. Omo-Agege, apparently aware of the ‘defection game plan’, have been shouting to high heaven prior that there would not be an automatic ticket for the Delta APC and the rationale behind the “political Tsunami of imaginable proportion” would be a major factor to contend with.

For now, the Delta APC remains committed to backing Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, stressing the need for unity and collective effort to deliver development and stability to the state.

Onojeghuo said, “the party stands united behind His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and remains resolutely committed to his leadership as he continues to deliver on his promises of good governance under the M.O.R.E. agenda”. 

He, however, called on all members, stakeholders, and supporters to close ranks, unite behind Governor Oborevwori and work collectively towards ensuring that the gains of democracy are fully delivered to the people of Delta State.

“Delta APC is solidly behind His Excellency as our leader, and we recognize no other individual in that role. We urge anyone with contrary intentions to desist, as the Party will not allow divisive tendencies to derail the continued growth and sustainable development being ushered in under Governor Oborevwori’s purposeful leadership” the statement enthused.