Delta APC Stakeholders Slam Orubebe’s Reconciliation Efforts, Call for Leadership Accountability

EFFURUN/Nigeria: Critical stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District have voiced strong objections to the ongoing reconciliation process led by Elder Godsday Orubebe, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, describing it as a “hoax” and questioning the sincerity of the initiative.

At a public hearing of the Secretariat Subcommittee, chaired by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, stakeholders gathered at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun, where they presented memorandums raising concerns about the state leadership of the APC. They argued that the party’s State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, lacked the moral authority to oversee any reconciliation, rendering the process ineffective.

The disgruntled members, who were consistently critical of Sobotie’s leadership, pushed for the formation of a 2023 Elections Evaluation Committee instead. They suggested that this new body should investigate the actions of party leaders during the last governorship election, aiming to hold those who betrayed the party accountable ahead of future contests in 2027.

Prominent figures within the APC in Delta Central, including former Delta State House of Assembly member Hon. Abel Oshevire, party chieftain Chief Christopher Ominimini Obivwevbi, and State Woman Leader Mrs Ana Agoda, were vocal in their disapproval of the state chairman’s failure to convene executive meetings or engage with local party executives since assuming office. They also criticised Sobotie for his apparent unfamiliarity with the locations of local party offices, even within his own Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Chief Obivwevbi, representing the APC Elders and Leaders in Ughelli North, stressed that the party’s poor performance in the last election was a direct result of this ineffective leadership. He underscored the importance of accountability, stating, “What we need is not a reconciliation committee. We must first review our performance in the last election and hold those responsible for the party’s betrayal accountable.”

This sentiment was echoed by Hon. Abel Oshevire, who called for a complete overhaul of the party’s leadership. “The State Chairman has failed to provide effective leadership. He hasn’t held a single executive meeting since taking office. How can he reconcile the party when he can’t even manage his own team?” he said.

The hearing also brought attention to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s efforts before the 2023 elections, with some participants questioning whether concessions made to key figures like Hon. Victor Ochei had ultimately undermined the party’s campaign. Despite being granted significant roles within the party, Ochei did not support the APC during the election, raising concerns about potential future betrayals.

Calls for change reached a crescendo when Uvwie Local Government Chairman, Hon. Illeleji Wilfred, moved for a no-confidence vote against the State Chairman and the State Working Committee. The motion was unanimously approved by the delegates present, with many urging the party to take immediate action to reform its leadership.

Reflecting the deep dissatisfaction within the party, some members described the abandonment of the APC governorship candidate during the last election as “witchcraft and crab mentality,” blaming this betrayal for the party’s defeat.

In response to these criticisms, Elder Orubebe urged members to focus on the future, stressing that the current executive committee is transitional and that a more inclusive leadership structure would soon be in place. “We will select the next EXCO from every ward, ensuring all leaders are involved,” he said, though many stakeholders remain unconvinced.

Hon. Chuks Erhire summed up the mood of scepticism, stating, “We’ve heard promises before. What we need now is action, not words.” The hearing concluded with delegates reaffirming their support for Senator Omo-Agege’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections, recognising his capacity to challenge the ruling PDP.