Panic in Delta as Ibori, Ned Nwoko, Omo-Agege, Others Boycott APC State Congress, Call It a ‘Big Joke’

Chief Solomon Arenyeka, the recently elected chairman of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC), has pledged to put an end to the animosity and division that once defined the party. The chairman set the tone for the new approach by emphasizing the importance of peace in his opening remarks at the swearing-in. Chief Arenyeka’s move toward rapprochement had an immediate and impressive impact. It was anticipated that former principle officers who lost their jobs once a new team was elected would abandon partisanship in order to contribute to issues, particularly those of interest and imputance to the party, in a healthy takeoff. He made the assumption that members and everyone else have to be forgiving, understanding, and trusting of one another. The chairman urged everyone in the party to get past the chaos that marked the congressional process.

Chief Arenyeka’s white clothing seemed to fit quite nicely with his amicable demeanor.

Chief Efe Uko was chosen as State Secretary, and Elder Moses Iduh was chosen as Deputy Chairman. Chief Paulinus Akpeki, the chairman of Delta Central, Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, the chairman of Delta South, and Engineer are among the other officials chosen by consensus. Barr, Elder Emmanuel Egbabor, State Organizing Secretary, and Daniel Ossai, Chairman of Delta North. Christopher Agali is the State Youth Leader, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Sobotie is the State Woman Leader, and Valentine Onojeghuo is the State Publicity Secretary.

State Congress Electoral Committee Chairman, Engr. Following their confirmation by delegates, Vita Abba proclaimed the new executive elected, claiming that the procedure adhered to the party’s rules and constitution.

Previously, former Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. In order to make room for new leadership, Victor Ochei pushed to dissolve the departing State Working Committee. Olorogun O’tega Emerhor seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

Speaking to party supporters, Governor Oborevwori praised the departing leadership, headed by Elder Omeni Sobotie, for leading the party through what he called a pivotal moment of change after the state’s political realignment in April 2025.

The governor declared, “I stand before you today filled with a deep sense of responsibility and optimism about the bright prospects of our great party.” “What started out as a moral choice to align Delta State with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s revitalized vision has grown into a strong and unstoppable political movement.”

He commended party members for their unity and discipline, citing the peaceful conduct of congresses throughout the state, 25 local government areas, and 270 wards as proof of the APC’s internal democracy.

“No imposition took place. We saw widespread consultation, consensus, and inclusivity. We all own this structure,” he said.

Prioritizing frequent meetings, strengthening grassroots involvement, and stepping up voter mobilization before 2027 were all tasks assigned to the new administration by Oborevwori.

“We have a clear mission. He said, “We must secure victory at every level: the Presidency, Senate, House of Representatives, Governorship, and State House of Assembly.” He expressed confidence that President Tinubu and other party candidates will receive resounding votes from Delta APC.

Citing accomplishments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and human capital development, the governor reiterated his administration’s dedication to openness, accountability, and performance under the MORE Agenda.

Elder Omeni Sobotie, the departing State Chairman, said in his speech that the congress was the result of unity and shared sacrifice.

He urged the new leadership to lead with humility, saying, “In politics, what we have is not ‘I’ but ‘we.’ The interest of the people is more important than personal interests.” “A man can rise to the top with ability, but humility keeps him there.”

Arenyeka praised party leaders and members for their faith in him and the new SWC during his acceptance speech.

“I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I am fully aware of its weight. We are honored to serve, and we promise to uphold the trust placed in us,” he declared.

He gave members the assurance that the new management would maintain responsibility and consensus-building inside the party while upholding diligence, honesty, openness, and collaboration.

Arenyeka also praised Governor Oborevwori for his unity and leadership, promising that Delta APC would become an example for other states under his leadership.

“Our leader has given us the marching instructions. We will deliver every APC candidate in the 2027 elections, by God’s grace,” he said.

The Delta APC formally inaugurated its new leadership ahead of the next election cycle, and the congress, which drew party leaders and stakeholders from all over the state, concluded in a heated atmosphere of jubilation.

Some prominent political personalities and chieftains, including some elected officials, were absent from the well-attended state congress.

Governor Oborevwori joked, “Those who did not attend are not from Delta,” while acknowledging and thanking party supporters for their strong turnout.

The Delta APC coalition has already demanded that the alleged state congress be immediately canceled. calling it a big joke and a kangaroo.

The Delta State APC Coalition for Equity said in a sharply worded statement released on Monday, March 2, 2026, that a number of candidates from the former APC bloc who paid for the State Chairmanship nomination forms were purposefully refused access to them despite their complete adherence to party regulations.

The group claimed that this essentially prevents eligible card-carrying members from taking part in the party’s internal democratic process, calling the reluctance to issue the forms “exclusion through administrative obstruction.”

The coalition warned that the APC should not be reduced to “a platform where outcomes are predetermined and aspirants screened out through technical maneuvers,” stating that “this pattern raises serious concerns about transparency, equity, and adherence to due process.”

Additionally, the alliance claimed that members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Governor Oborevwori, had just defected and were unduly influencing the congress arrangements.

It specifically mentioned what it described as “credible fears” of a planned scheme to appoint Elder Moses Idu as Deputy Chairman and Chief Solomon Arayinka, a former Delta State PDP Chairman, as APC State Chairman. It cautioned that this would amount to “a transfer of PDP leadership structure into the APC.”

The statement emphasized that “Delta APC is not an annex of any other political formation” and said, “If accurate, such action would marginalize foundational members who built this party through sacrifice and resilience.”

According to the group, the purported anomalies have caused significant dissatisfaction among devoted members throughout the state and may undermine party unity in the run-up to the general elections in 2027.

In a sharp turn of events, the coalition warned APC supporters in Delta State not to travel to Asaba for the planned congress on Tuesday, March 3, claiming that doing so would legitimate “an already decided congress.”

The statement said, “Taking part in a compromised kangaroo exercise will only validate injustice and erode the credibility of our party structures.”

The coalition called for the congress to be rescheduled to a new date so that all card-carrying members could vote in a free and inclusive process. They also demanded the immediate delivery of nomination forms to all candidates who had paid for them.

Additionally, it made a direct request to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Professor Nentawe, the National Chairman of the APC, and members of the National Working Committee to step in immediately, look into the purported irregularities, and rebuild the process’s credibility.

The alliance declared, “Our demand is simple: fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all aspirants,” cautioning that postponing justice at this crucial juncture might have far-reaching effects on party unity and election prospects.

Acting Chairman Ambassador Felix Datuowei, Acting Secretary General Kenchad Rafua, and Chief Alex Ikpeazu—described as an unsuccessful candidate for the Delta State APC chairmanship—signed the statement.

In the meantime, Jarrett Tenebe’s newly elected Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) executive has endorsed Governor Monday Okpebholo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second terms in office, citing their exceptional performance.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, party delegates from all 192 wards in Edo State gathered at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Hub in Benin City to choose new executive members. The delegates unanimously affirmed the reinstatement of Tenebe’s 36-member state executive to a four-year term.

Tenebe stated in his acceptance address that the re-elected executive had publicly approved Governor Okpebholo and President Tinubu for second terms, pointing out that both leaders had shown excellent performance and enhanced the lives of Nigerians and Edo people.

Citing what he called “quality representation,” Tenebe also declared that he will support Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and senator from the Edo North Senatorial District, for a second term in the Senate.

Tenebe stated, “This unanimous voice affirmation is a call to duty, and we are ready to fulfill our responsibility and ensure the party continues to put Edo people first while supporting the governor to sustain his developmental strides in the state.”

He promised that the team would lead the party’s affairs to new heights and praised delegates for their unwavering faith in the executive. Tenebe also expressed gratitude to party members for their steadfast support, which he claimed enabled the party to weather difficult times and be together.

“A new chapter has begun today, and other states around the federation are already using it as a model and point of reference. He continued, “The race ahead is a marathon that will span the next four years. We have been handed the baton of leadership.”

Tenebe pointed out that the time frame corresponds with the execution of Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, which he characterized as a revolutionary plan intended to reposition Edo State for sustainable growth. He underlined that the APC is still totally dedicated to helping the agenda be implemented successfully.

The National Congress Committee’s chairman, Hon. According to Kabiru Ajana, the committee was tasked with holding elections for the 36 open APC leadership posts in Edo State.

He claimed that since all 36 posts were returned without opposition following the screening procedure and no appeals were filed, the exercise showed unity within the party.

The congress’s president, Ajana, praised the governor for promoting harmony within the Edo APC and advised other states to follow suit.

Speaking as well, Oshiomhole expressed gratitude to the delegates for re-electing the Tenebe-led administration, characterizing the process as smooth and emblematic of Edo State’s party unity.

“I want to thank all of the delegates for a smooth exercise that represents the party’s unity in Edo State. This solidarity makes a strong signal about Governor Okpebholo’s leadership. He declared, “We honor the governor for the party’s unity.

Minister for Regional Development Abubakar Momoh, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Edo State Government Secretary, Barr. Musa Ikhilor, as well as other prominent party figures.

Due to Uzodimma’s performance, PDP members in Imo turn to the APC.

In a different event, on Monday, March 2, 2026, Governor Hope Uzodimma enthusiastically welcomed 1320 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the All Progressives Congress (APC). This action further crippled the now-troubled political giant in Nigeria.

Their choice to join his Party, according to Uzodimma, is a step toward unity and faster development in Imo State.

Speaking to the new APC members at Government House Owerri’s Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Uzodimma stated that the decision was about “a new trajectory of development” for the State rather than political history.

“This choice is in the best interests of our people, not for personal benefit. We all own the Imo State government,” he declared.

The governor emphasized the importance of shared accountability in governance, pointing out that infrastructural problems and insecurity call for cooperation.

He promised to work closely with the new APC members and give some of them consideration for postings, assuring them of equal rights and opportunities.

In addition, Uzodimma emphasized the Igbo people’s historical contributions to Nigeria’s progress and urged a renewed sense of cohesion and concentration. “We have to go forward, not backward. “The interest of our State and our people is the common denominator,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for accepting the defectors without prejudice.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman for Imo State, Sir MacDonald Ebere, expressed happiness that several excellent PDP members have joined the APC and promised the defectors full recognition and equal standing within the Party.

They were the “substance and oxygen” of the PDP, according to Sir Ebere, who also noted that their decision to join the APC signaled a dramatic change in Imo State politics.

He encouraged the new members not to worry about being left out and commended Governor Uzodimma for bringing the State together via inclusive leadership. He added that the Party is still available to everyone and that “you will retain your status and even be better recognized in the APC.”

The Hopism Movement coordinator, Evangelist Mike Ikoku, led the defectors, who acknowledged that every member had left the PDP and was now properly registered with the APC.

He said that the defectors include former members of the Party’s State Working Committee, former Local Government Party Chairmen, former State Organizing Secretary, former PDP Financial Secretary and Legal Advisor, past candidates for the House of Assembly, and their sympathizers.

Declaring their happiness, Hon. Former PDP House of Assembly candidate Jeff Nwachukwu, Mr. Mike Nkwocha, Ugorji Onuegbu, and other speakers emphasized that they were convinced to join the APC because of Governor Uzodimma’s performance and wise leadership.

As repentant and enlightened prodigal sons, they begged the governor to welcome them into the APC fold.

They pledged their allegiance to the APC ideology and insisted that their defection was an indication of their support for good administration in the State and the country.