APC CRISIS: OMO-AGEGE SUPPORTERS SET TO ISSUE A MINORITY REPORT: REJECTS COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP, PROPOSAL FOR PARTY UNITY

0BY UNUE EMEKA

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State remains embroiled in internal strife, with no resolution in sight. This discord has been exacerbated by the release of a Minority Report from supporters of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, opposing the majority report presented by the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee.

Emerhor’s Reconciliation Committee was established by the State Working Committee (SWC) to address grievances stemming from the 2023 general elections and to unify the party for future contests. While the majority report gained the support of key stakeholders, the minority faction rejected its recommendations, further highlighting the sharp divisions within Delta APC.

The “minority report” further underscored the significant and sharp division within the Delta APC, and no tendency within the party is ready to shift ground for the party’s unity.

In fact, some allies of Omo-Agege in the last election including the two APC elected Senators (Ede Dafinone and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas) and only APC House of Representatives member, Francis Waive, have since pitched tent with the majority report.

Political observers agree that the National APC leadership must intervene decisively. Without a common ground, Delta APC risks becoming a shadow of itself. The call for a unified, inclusive leadership model has grown louder, particularly as the “one-man show” style of Omo-Agege is widely opposed by other leaders, including Minister Festus Keyamo and elected representatives.

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The majority report recommends collegiate leadership, transparency, and structural reforms to position the party for success. However, the proposed minority report challenges the legitimacy of the committee, accusing it of being biased and lacking transparency. It claims the inclusion of non-APC members in the reconciliation process rendered its recommendations invalid.

The minority report also accuses the committee of exacerbating divisions by proposing unconstitutional leadership structures, such as the “council of leaders.” These proposals were labeled as destabilizing and contrary to party rules, reflecting a failure to prioritize genuine reconciliation.

Another key contention is the committee’s recommendations for party congresses. While the Majority report provides for the Collegiate leadership to manage the Congress processes to ensure no one leader highjack the party structure, the minority faction argues for the status that has always allowed a super leader to highjack the process alleging that allowing a leadership council to manage congresses undermines grassroots participation and violates party guidelines.

The proposed minority report also alleges internal sabotage by unnamed leaders and accuses the majority report of failing to address these issues adequately. It proposes convening the State Executive Committee to restructure the party, emphasizing grassroots engagement and accountability. This includes a comprehensive review of the 2023 elections to identify and address lapses.

Critics of the minority report argue that Omo-Agege loyalists’ stance prioritizes personal interests over collective progress. The lack of inclusivity in decision-making during his tenure as the party’s leader has been a recurring issue, further alienating stakeholders and weakening the party’s unity.

Delta APC’s survival hinges on finding middle ground where all leaders are treated as equal stakeholders. Political analysts warn that continuing with the status quo will lead to repeated electoral failures, allowing the PDP to maintain its dominance in Delta State.

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To secure victory in 2027, Delta APC must embrace collective leadership, prioritize reconciliation, and restructure its internal processes. The party must move beyond a single-leader narrative and embrace a united front to present a credible alternative to the PDP.

The way forward lies in shared responsibility and inclusivity. APC today is a divided Party of those with Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo and those for Sen Ovie Omo-Agege. By recommending that these two leaders co-chair the Collegiate leadership council, the majority report provides a practical solution to the unification of the Party.

Omo-Agege can still play a pivotal role in the party without monopolizing its structure. Only by fostering unity can the APC hope to challenge the PDP effectively and meet the expectations of Deltans longing for political change. Failure to do so will leave Delta APC fragmented and irrelevant.

Unue Emeka, writes from Asaba, Delta State.