The overseas medical trip by the chairman of the Delta State chapter of the All Progressive Congress, Omeni Sobotie, is currently tearing the party apart.
The leadership crisis started following the overseas medical trip embarked on by the substantive chairman, Omeni Sobotie thereby creating a vacuum that led to the emergence of two factional state chairmen of the party.
The crisis however got escalated when the State Working Committee announced the vice chairman of the party in Delta central senatorial district, Paulinus Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the party, citing the overseas medical trip of the substantive chairman, Omeni Sobotie as reason to fill up the vacuum created.
The state publicity secretary of APC, Valentine Onojeghuo, had on November 29, 2024 in a statement confirmed the appointment of Paulinus Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the party as announced by the SWC of the party.
But this did not go down well with the state deputy chairman of the party, Francis Obigbor, and declared himself as the authentic acting chairman in absence of the substantive chairman, Sobotie who was said to have gone on medical vacation overseas.
According to Obigbor, the SWC’s decision was a gross violation of Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC constitution and therefore declared the appointment of Akpeki as null and void.
In a statement signed by Obigbor, titled: “Leadership Update: I Assume Duty As Acting Chairman of Delta APC” noted that, Akpeki remains the vice chairman of the party in Delta central adding that as the duly elected deputy chairman of the Delta state chapter of the APC, I have assumed duty as the acting chairman of the party, in accordance with Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC constitution. This article stipulates the order of succession and designates the deputy state chairman as the rightful officer to act in the chairman’s absence. I urge all party members and the general public to disregard the statement confirming Chief Akpeki’s appointment.”
Reacting to the development in a statement, APC chieftain and former senator representing Delta North senatorial district in the Senate, Peter Nwaoboshi described Akpeki’s appointment as a ‘coup’ adding that “The Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vehemently condemns the audacious and ill-fated attempt by Chief Paulinus Akpeki and his cohorts to usurp the leadership of the party. This brazen move is a clear and present danger to the stability and unity of our great party.
“We unequivocally and unanimously endorse the emergence of Barr Francis Obigbor as the acting chairman of APC Delta state, in strict accordance with the APC constitution.
“As the deputy state chairman, Barr Obigbor is the rightful and legitimate person to assume the role of acting chairman. We will not stand idly by while the Delta central senatorial district attempts to rob the Delta North senatorial district of the position to which it was duly elected at the last congress. The APC constitution is crystal clear on the matter of succession, and we will not allow any individual or group to flout the constitution and impose their will on the party. We warn those involved in this attempted coup to desist from their nefarious activities and respect the constitution.”
Also reacting to the leadership crisis, the leadership of the APC in Delta central senatorial district has nullified and rejected the appointment of the vice chairman, Paulinus Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the party in the state.
The party chairmen from Delta central senatorial district made this known in a statement signed by the Ughelli North APC chairman and chairman of all chairmen, Delta central senatorial district, Onoabedje Obakpororo, Uvwie APC chairman and chairmen’s secretary, Delta central senatorial district, Wilfred Ileleji, Udu APC chairman, David Rheriobore, Okpe APC chairman, Eric Afe, Ughelli South APC chairman, Isaiah Kekeje, Sapele APC chairman, Friday Erubasa, Ethiope East APC chairman, Julius Ogboru and Ethiope West APC chairman, Efe Amughoro, described the appointment of Akpeki as unconstitutional and a threat to party unity.
The chairmen of the eight local government chapters in Delta central noted that Akpeki’s appointment violates Article 14.2 of the APC constitution, saying the deputy state chairman should assume the role of state chairman in the event of a vacancy, not a senatorial vice chairman adding that adherence to this established protocol is critical for ensuring party stability and maintaining democratic principles.
“The recent appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as acting state chairman of the APC in Delta State is a blatant violation of the party’s constitution. This development may lead to additional upheaval inside the party if nothing is done to stop the pranks and shenanigans. According to Article 14.2, in the absence of the chairman, it is the deputy chairman who is meant to assume this role, not a senatorial vice chairman.
“This disregard for established protocols undermines the integrity of the party and threatens its unity. By bypassing the deputy state chairman, the SWC has set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further chaos within the party.
“Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests, eroding trust among party members. The SWC’s decision not only contravene the APC Constitution but also raises questions about the motives behind this manoeuvre. It appears to serve hidden agendas rather than uphold democratic principles and accountability within the party. We urge the SWC to rescind this appointment immediately and adhere to the constitutional,” the statement disclosed.
Meanwhile as of the time of filing this report, in what looks like a drama, barely 48 hours of the current crisis rocking the state APC leadership, a letter signed by the substantive chairman, Omeni Sobotie who is said to be on an overseas medical trip announcing his return and resumption surfaced.
According to the letter dated December, 2, 2024 and addressed to the factional acting state chairman, Paulinus Akpeki, Sobotie stated that he has returned to his duty post as chairman of the party in Delta.
“This is to inform you that having gone through a successful surgery, I have resumed my duties as state chairman of APC effective today the 2nd day of December, 2024. I thank you all for your support and prayers.”
