A fire outbreak has destroyed election materials, including 706 ballot boxes, at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a power surge after the restoration of public electricity.

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The fire completely consumed the stores section of the office, which housed critical election materials.

Items lost in the inferno included 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and other election-related items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.

“The stores section of the office, where petrol generators and other items were kept, was completely razed,” Olumekun said. “Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.”

Olumekun added that the incident had been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.

He commended the quick response of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service in managing the situation.

Ika North-East is one of 25 local government areas in Delta State and plays a significant role in elections with 14 wards, 238 polling units, and 131,747 registered voters.

INEC assured the public that steps are being taken to address the loss and maintain its preparations for upcoming elections.

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.

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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.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has elected Chief Tony Okocha as its new chairman during a state delegate congress held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Okocha, who had been serving as the Caretaker Committee Chairman, was elected unopposed, alongside other key party officials.

The congress, which was conducted via a voice vote, was overseen by Dr. Adoye Omalez, representing the APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje.

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The peaceful nature of the election process was praised by Chief Victor Giadom, the APC National Vice Chairman for South-South, who commended delegates for their conduct and unity.

“This congress is a testament to the unity of APC in Rivers State. It shows that the party is firmly united and moving forward,” Giadom said, urging members to support the new executive for the party’s continued success.

In his acceptance speech, Okocha expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and vowed to lead the party to victory in the 2027 elections.

He refuted claims that the APC was divided, stating, “Those who said APC cannot conduct elections have been proven wrong. We will take control of Rivers State in 2027.”

Okocha highlighted the significant achievements of President Bola Tinubu, particularly the reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, and reiterated the APC’s commitment to further advancing the nation’s development.

“Our goal is clear: in 2027, APC will win all elections in Rivers State—from local government to governorship. We are focused on routing out the current government and delivering better governance,” he declared.

The congress also saw the election of other key officials, including the Deputy Chairman, State Secretary, Publicity Secretary, State Auditor, Women Leader, Youth Leader, Legal Advisor, and Zonal Leaders for the three senatorial districts of the state.

The event was supervised by Dr. Joseph Alalibo, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner.

With Okocha at the helm, the APC in Rivers State has set its sights on challenging the current administration and achieving a sweeping victory in the 2027 elections.

Okocha emphasized that the party’s success was part of a broader national agenda aimed at ensuring continued progress under the leadership of President Tinubu.