APC Primaries: Ejele Sets to Withdraw Suit Against Senator Joel-Onowakpo

…as Senator Joel-Onowakpo hails Oborevwori’s unifying leadership

In a bid to foster unity ahead the 2027 general elections, former Delta South Senatorial District aspirant, Hon. Prince Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, has indicated moves to withdraw his lawsuit against Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

Ejele hinted of the moves following a high-powered reconciliation meeting facilitated between him and Senator Joel-Onowakpo by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, at Diden’s residence in Sapele.

The meeting, attended by senior APC leaders, government officials and stakeholders from across the senatorial district, culminated in Diden’s decision to withdraw the court case he instituted against the senator.

The development is regarded by party stakeholders as a major step towards strengthening cohesion within the APC in Delta South ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those who participated in the reconciliation meeting were Senator Joel-Onowakpo; Delta South APC Chairman, Prince Emmam Amgbaduba; Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo; Chairman Isoko South Local Government Council, Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, chairmen of the eight local government areas in the senatorial district; and other party leaders.

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The meeting was aimed at resolving outstanding differences, rebuilding trust and ensuring that members of the party work together towards a common political objective.

At the end of the meeting, Diden announced his decision to withdraw the suit against Senator Joel-Onowakpo and pledged his support, alongside his political associates and supporters, for the senator and the APC.

He also committed to working with other party stakeholders to strengthen the APC’s structures and mobilise support for its candidates in Delta South and across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Reacting to the development, Joel-Onowakpo expressed appreciation to the party leaders and other stakeholders who facilitated the reconciliation, describing the outcome as a positive development for the APC.

The senator singled out Governor Oborevwori for commendation, saying the governor had demonstrated leadership, wisdom and commitment to building a united APC in Delta State.

He said the governor’s approach to party leadership had contributed to the restoration of peace among members and strengthened the prospects of the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Joel-Onowakpo said, “I want to give special and heartfelt appreciation to our leader in Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.

“His Excellency has demonstrated uncommon leadership, wisdom and large-heartedness in uniting the APC family in Delta State.

“This peace we have achieved today is a reflection of his fatherly role and his genuine desire to build one strong, united APC that will deliver for all our candidates.”

He also commended Diden for what he described as his maturity and sportsmanship in choosing reconciliation and the interest of the party over personal differences.

According to him, Diden’s decision to withdraw the suit and support the party’s collective interest demonstrated his commitment to the progress of the APC.

Joel-Onowakpo assured Diden and his supporters that they would be fully integrated into the party, stressing that their participation would be important to strengthening the APC’s electoral machinery in Delta South.

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“I assure him that he and his supporters will be fully integrated and respected. Together as one formidable family, we will work to deliver all our candidates in the forthcoming elections,” he said.

The reconciliation has been welcomed by APC stakeholders in Delta South, who described it as a significant development in the party’s efforts to consolidate its structures and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

They expressed optimism that the renewed cooperation among the party’s leaders and members would enhance its mobilisation efforts and boost the prospects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.