Ethiope East APC Elders Reject Ogboru’s Alleged Return, Accuse Him of Party Betrayal
ISIOKOLO/Nigeria: The Elders and Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State have firmly rejected the alleged return of Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru to the party, describing it as “unethical and unconstitutional.”
In a strongly worded statement signed by Chief Barr. G. S. Avwunudiogba, Chairman of the Ethiope East APC Elders and Leaders Forum; Chief Julius Ogboru, Chairman of Ethiope East APC; Hon. Chief Barr. Obukohwo Joseph Oshevire, former Member of the Delta State House of Assembly and Legal Adviser of the Ethiope East APC Elders and Leaders Forum; and Ufuoma Raymond Edjeba, Secretary of the APC Elders and Leaders Forum, the group maintained that Ogboru’s re-entry into the party was unauthorized and violated APC’s internal regulations.
The statement asserted that Ogboru’s return was not sanctioned by the ward chairman, who, according to the party’s constitution, is the only authority empowered to issue membership cards. This, they argued, makes his re-admission into the APC illegitimate and a direct violation of party rules.
Citing Ogboru’s history of party defections, the APC Elders and Leaders accused him of being a “serial party hopper” with a track record of contesting gubernatorial elections under different political platforms, including the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Labour Party (LP), and APC. They further alleged that his recent collaboration with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to undermine the APC’s chances in the 2023 Delta State governorship election raises questions about his true intentions.
“What is equally disturbing,” the statement added, “is Ogboru’s recent political alignment with the PDP, which resulted in key appointments, including Senior Special Assistants (SSA) and Personal Assistants (PA), for his loyalists under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. It is now suspicious that he seeks to return to APC, apparently leaving those he aligned with behind.”
The statement warned that Ogboru’s return was not genuine but rather a strategic move to advance his personal ambitions at the expense of the party’s unity. The APC Elders and Leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 election, whom they described as a committed and loyal party leader dedicated to the APC’s vision.
Ogboru’s rejection by the Ethiope East APC Elders and Leaders presents a significant challenge to his political ambitions, as the party stakeholders have vowed to resist any attempt to undermine APC’s stability and progress in the area.
The statement urged party members to remain vigilant and dedicated to strengthening the APC in Ethiope East. It also called on the national leadership of the party to take cognizance of Ogboru’s past actions and prevent any moves that could destabilize the party’s growth in Delta State.
“We will not tolerate any act of sabotage or disloyalty from anyone, including Ogboru,” the statement declared. “Our commitment remains firm in building a strong and united APC in Ethiope East, and we will resist any effort to derail our progress.”
The APC Elders and Leaders further warned that they would take disciplinary action against any party members found collaborating with Ogboru to destabilize the party, stressing that their focus remains on consolidating the party’s strength in Delta State.
