Delta APC in another round of crisis as 2 different Chairmen emerge….. Nwaoboshi blasts SWC for imposing Paulinus Akpeki instead of Francis Obigbor

By Austin Ogwuda

THE Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is emeshed in another round of internal crisis following the emergence of two parallel Chairmen at the weekend, thereby rubbishing a recent attempt to reconcile feuding members in different factions.

Trouble started when the State Working Committee (SWC) announced Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the Acting State Chairman of the Party, citing the medical vacation of the substantive chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie as an excuse.

But in a swift reaction, the State Deputy Chairman of the Party, Chief Francis Obigbor declared himself as the authentic Acting Chairman in absence of the substantive holder, Elder Sobotie currently on medical vacation.

Obigbor described the SWC’s decision as a gross violation of Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC Constitution, declaring the appointment null and void.

In a statement titled: ‘Leadership Update: I Assume Duty as Acting Chairman of Delta APC’ Chief Obigbor stated that “My attention has been drawn to a statement issued by Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq., the State Publicity Secretary of APC Delta State, on November 29, 2024. The statement purportedly confirms the appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as Acting State Chairman of the Party, instead of Elder Omeni Sobotie, who is currently on medical vacation.

“However, Chief Akpeki is, and remains, the Vice Chairman of the Party in Delta Central Senatorial District. 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. This article stipulates the order of succession and designates the Deputy State Chairman as the rightful officer to act in the Chairman’s absence.

“I urge all party members and the general public to disregard the statement confirming Chief Akpeki’s appointment. It was issued without lawful authority and flagrantly violates the Party’s Constitution”, Obigbor declared.

Nwaoboshi reacts, describes Akpeki’s appointment as a coup

Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, one of the leading members of APC in Delta State in a press statement said, “The Delta North chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) vehemently condemns the audacious and ill-fated attempt by Chief Paulinus Akpeki and his cohorts to usurp the leadership of the party. This brazen move is a clear and present danger to the stability and unity of our great party.

“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. As the Deputy State Chairman, Barr Obigbor is the rightful and legitimate person to assume the role of Acting Chairman.

“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. 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.

“We warn those involved in this attempted coup to desist from their nefarious activities and respect the constitution”.