“DELTA APC IN CHAOS: Tinubu Urged to Intervene as ‘Imposition Plot’ Threatens Party Collapse in South-South”
By Passman Akpos
A fresh wave of internal tension has hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State following an urgent protest letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging the imposition of a senatorial candidate in Delta Central and warning of a looming breakdown of party cohesion in the South-South.
The letter, signed by Engr. Felix Orhomuru Akpoyibo, National Coordinator of the New Delta Grassroot Movement, raises alarm over what it describes as a “carefully orchestrated political charade” scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Ughelli, Delta State.
Allegation of Pre-Determined Endorsement Process
According to the petition, a mass political declaration is being organized at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli in support of Senator Ede Dafinone as APC’s preferred senatorial candidate for Delta Central.
The author alleges that directives issued through the Delta State APC publicity structure are compelling attendance from:
State Working Committee members
State Executive Committee members
All eight LGA chairmen and executives
Ward executives across Delta Central
The letter claims this structure amounts to “a command performance” rather than a democratic consultation, describing the process as a violation of internal party guidelines.
Reference to APC Consensus and Primary Guidelines
The petition references directives attributed to the APC national leadership, including the principle that where consensus fails among aspirants, the party must revert to direct primaries.
It also cites statements credited to APC officials affirming that nomination forms remain open to all qualified aspirants.
Despite this, the letter alleges that stakeholders in Delta Central have been sidelined and that the planned endorsement effectively shuts out internal competition.
Political Tensions Within Delta APC
The protest further highlights what it describes as deep divisions within the Delta APC, pointing to rival political blocs aligned with both long-standing party figures and recent entrants from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in April 2025.
It also references internal disagreements involving political actors such as former Governor James Ibori, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, and Senator Ned Nwoko, who are described as key stakeholders in the state’s APC structure.
The letter alleges that long-time grassroots mobilizers are being displaced from party structures in favor of newer loyalists, raising concerns of internal exclusion and altered executive lists without broad consultation.
Warning of Possible Political Fallout
In one of its most striking passages, the petition warns of possible large-scale defections if what it calls “candidate imposition” continues unchecked.
The author claims widespread dissatisfaction among party members and grassroots supporters, alleging that morale within the party structure is deteriorating ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The letter further cautions that failure to address the situation could have consequences for APC’s electoral strength in the South-South region.
Demands to the Presidency and APC Leadership
The petition outlines urgent demands, including:Intervention by the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to halt the planned declaration
Enforcement of internal party rules mandating consensus or direct primaries
Deployment of a neutral monitoring team to oversee the Delta Central senatorial process
A public reaffirmation of internal democracy within the party
Awaited Response
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the APC National Working Committee regarding the allegations contained in the letter.
Political observers say the unfolding situation in Delta State underscores growing tensions within the APC over candidate selection processes, zoning arrangements, and integration of defectors into existing party structures.
The planned Ughelli event on Sunday is expected to proceed unless officially suspended, raising anticipation of further developments in the coming days.
