By Austin Ogwuda
…. Organisers fire back, call for the sack of the State Publicity Scribe, vowing to go ahead
A planned solidarity march in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege by certain loyalists has stirred controversy within the APC family in Delta State, Nigeria.
Recall that there had been under current cold war between some defected PDP members and some APC members, they (defectors) met on the ground bothering on protection of interests.
It came to the fore two days ago when a Planning Committee for the said Solidarity Walk went public with the publicity of the planned event.
But in a sharp reaction, the State Publicity Secretary, APC Delta State, Barrister Valentine Onojeghuo issued a press statement which reads in part:
“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State under the chairmanship of Elder Omeni Sobotie has been drawn to a proposed event titled “Solidarity Walk in Support of DSP Ovie Omo-Agege” being organized by certain individuals under the guise of party loyalists.
“The Party wishes to state categorically and unequivocally that no such event was ever sanctioned, approved, or endorsed by the leadership of the APC in Delta State. The planned solidarity walk, spearheaded by a group identifying themselves as a “Planning Committee,” does not represent the views, interests, or directives of the Party and is therefore unauthorized.
“The group behind this planned event, led by Hon. Chief Emmanuel Adigwe and others, has taken it upon themselves to organize a political rally in the name of the Party without the knowledge or endorsement of the Party’s leadership. This act represents a clear breach of the internal regulatory frameworks that guide our operations as a responsible political party.
“While Delta APC acknowledges and appreciates the enthusiasm and support of members who wish to celebrate or honour key figures in the Party- including distinguished leaders like DSP Ovie Omo-Agege-it must be clearly stated that no individual or group has the right to organize or brand any activity as an official APC event without due consultation and express approval from the Party leadership.
“It is also important to remind our members and the general public that like every responsible and law abiding institution, Delta State APC operates within set of rules and regulations and any unauthorized use of the Party’s name, logo, or platform for political mobilization or public demonstrations is strictly prohibited, and any deviation from this rule will attract appropriate disciplinary measures.
“Accordingly, the Party hereby directs Hon. Chief Emmanuel Adigwe, Hon. Macdonald Ogolu, Amb. Comr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeke, Hon. Jerry Onyeka, Hon. Theodore Obocha, Hon. Marcus Enudi and all other listed members of the so-called “Planning Committee” and its affiliated members to immediately suspend all activities, planning, mobilization, or promotion associated with the said solidarity walk. Any further attempt to proceed with this unauthorized event will be interpreted as an act of open defiance against the Party’s authority and shall be met with swift and severe disciplinary action.
“For the avoidance of doubt”, the statement went on “any future political mobilizations, solidarity events, or public engagements in the name of the Party must receive proper vetting and approval from the Delta State APC leadership.
“We urge all members to align themselves with the directives and interests of the Party and refrain from activities that could cause division or embarrassment to the collective.
“We call on the general public, especially party faithful across the 25 local government areas of Delta State, to disregard any invitation, flyer, social media promotion, or announcement relating to this unauthorized Solidarity Walk. It does not carry the imprimatur of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State”, the statement added.
…. Organisers fire back, call for Onojeghuo’s sack, vowing to go ahead
Piqued by Valentine Onojeghuo press statement, the organisers which styled themselves ‘Concerned APC Progressives, Delta State Chapter’ fired back.
And they wrote thus: “We have read with concern the press release issued on the 4th of August, 2025 by Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, denouncing a peaceful “Solidarity Walk” in support of Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
“Let it be clearly stated: This statement is not only disappointing, it is a dangerous affront to the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens of Delta State and members of the APC.
“Freedom of Expression and Association is Not a Gift from the Party.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and association. The planned “Solidarity Walk” falls fully within these rights. It is not a violent protest, not a campaign rally, and certainly not an act of insubordination—it is a celebration of visionary leadership, an expression of gratitude, and a show of loyalty to tested leaders who have served this Party and this Nation with distinction.
“In particular, this walk is not only in support of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, but also in recognition of the legendary milestone achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to lay firm foundations for national transformation. APC members in Delta are proud to identify with the President’s reforms and to publicly stand for progress, peace, and performance.
“The Publicity Secretary Has No Moral Standing to Speak on Unity
It is ironic—if not hypocritical—that Valentine Onojeghuo Esq., who openly promotes the “M.O.R.E. Agenda,” a partisan slogan associated with another aspirant, would seek to lecture others about loyalty and discipline.
“This raises a critical concern: How can a Publicity Secretary of a neutral party secretariat so openly show bias and then proceed to discredit those who do not align with his chosen camp? Is this not a desecration of the impartiality expected of the office he occupies?
“We therefore call for the immediate removal or suspension of Valentine Onojeghuo Esq. for: Misuse of his office; Deliberate incitement against fellow party members, and for acting as an instrument of division in a time when unity is most needed.
“APC”, they went on, “is a Party of the People, Not a Private Club
No member of the APC should be threatened or sanctioned for showing support to respected party leaders such as Senator Ovie Omo-Agege or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Party is not the property of a select few—it is a democratic institution built on the collective voice and strength of its members.
“To label a peaceful and voluntary gathering as “unauthorized” is not just intellectually dishonest—it is politically repressive, and beneath the standard of a truly progressive party.
“Delta APC Must Rise Above Petty Politics
We urge the Delta State APC leadership to rise above factional insecurities. Unity is not achieved through suppression; it is nurtured through respect for diversity of expression and inclusiveness in party engagement.
“Let it be known that no amount of intimidation will silence the voices of grateful supporters of our party’s heroes—past and present. We will continue to celebrate our leaders with pride and without fear
“In Conclusion: The Delta APC leadership must withdraw this divisive statement.
“The Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, should be relieved of his duties for partiality, misuse of office, and for promoting slogans tied to a single aspirant.
“All party members should be encouraged to celebrate leaders who have served with distinction, not punished for it.
“We will not fold our arms while democratic expression is stifled within our own party.
“Delta belongs to all of us.
APC belongs to all its members.
And as such, no member shall be bullied into silence.
Signed:
Concerned APC Progressives,
Delta State Chapter
5th August, 2025
*Source: The Pond News
