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Delta APC Splits Over Chairman’s Medical Leave

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A leadership crisis is brewing within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a contentious power struggle over the appointment of an acting chairman during the overseas medical trip of the party’s substantive chairman, Omeni Sobotie.

The conflict ignited when the State Working Committee (SWC) appointed Paulinus Akpeki, the vice chairman of APC in the Delta Central Senatorial District, as acting chairman.

READ MORE: Senator Sani Laments Massive Sacking At CBN

The SWC’s decision to fill the leadership vacuum created by Sobotie’s absence has sparked a fierce backlash from factions within the party.

In a move that has deepened the rift, the state’s deputy chairman, Francis Obigbor, rejected Akpeki’s appointment, declaring himself the rightful acting chairman in line with the APC constitution.

According to Obigbor, the SWC’s decision violated Article 14.2(iii) of the APC constitution, which designates the deputy chairman as the acting leader in the absence of the chairman.

In a statement titled “Leadership Update: I Assume Duty As Acting Chairman of Delta APC,” Obigbor emphasized, “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.

“I urge all party members and the general public to disregard the statement confirming Chief Akpeki’s appointment.”

Former Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a prominent leader from Delta North, joined the fray, condemning the appointment of Akpeki as a “coup” and a threat to the party’s unity.

Nwaoboshi, along with other Delta North leaders, rallied behind Obigbor’s claim to the acting chairmanship, asserting that as deputy chairman, Obigbor was the legitimate successor.

“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,” Nwaoboshi declared.

“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.”

He warned, “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.”

The leadership of the Delta Central APC also rejected Akpeki’s appointment.

In a joint statement, eight local government chairmen from the district argued that the appointment violated Article 14.2 of the APC constitution, which stipulates that the deputy chairman, not a senatorial vice chairman, should assume the role of acting chairman in the event of a vacancy.

The statement, signed by the chairmen of the eight local government areas, expressed concern that the SWC’s decision could destabilize the party.

“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,” it read.

“This development may lead to additional upheaval inside the party if nothing is done to stop the pranks and shenanigans.”

The chairmen warned that ignoring constitutional protocols would undermine party unity and erode trust among members.

“Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests.”

In a dramatic twist, Omeni Sobotie resurfaced on December 2, 2024, announcing his return to his position as chairman after a successful medical procedure.

In a letter addressed to Paulinus Akpeki, Sobotie stated, “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.”

 

 

 

 

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“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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