A fierce power struggle has erupted within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), deepening cracks inside the ruling party as preparations quietly begin for the 2027 general elections.
What should have been routine ward and local government congresses quickly spiraled into chaos, marked by parallel exercises, disputed executive lists and allegations of violence. The unfolding drama has exposed a bitter contest for dominance between two influential blocs vying to control the party’s structure at the grassroots level.
One camp traces its roots to the APC’s opposition-era framework in Delta State and is closely associated with former governor James Ibori, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and Senator Ned Nwoko. Opposing them is a newer alignment loyal to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his political ally, former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, following Oborevwori’s defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in April 2025.
Political analysts note that the battle is far from symbolic. Control of ward and local government executives determines the composition of delegates for party primaries, effectively shaping who emerges as the APC’s candidates in 2027. Both factions reportedly organized separate congresses and generated rival executive lists, each seeking validation from the party’s national leadership in Abuja.
The Delta North APC Coalition for Equity accused the Oborevwori-backed faction of sidelining long-standing party members through closed-door consensus arrangements and alleged tampering with agreed executive lists. Petitions from various wards also cited the exclusion of grassroots leaders and claims of intimidation, raising broader concerns about internal democracy within the party.
Tensions peaked during the local government congress in Ethiope West, where supporters of federal lawmaker Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs. Eyewitnesses said the incident sparked panic and left several people injured before security operatives escorted the lawmaker away from the venue.
Traditional leaders in Oghara Kingdom condemned the violence, describing it as a threat to public peace and democratic order. They also questioned the sudden relocation of the congress venue from Ogharefe Township Stadium to Ovade village, suggesting the move heightened tensions.
Despite the unrest, Ibori-Suenu appealed to her supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that acts of intimidation would not discourage democratic engagement.
Meanwhile, the Oborevwori-aligned leadership dismissed allegations of violence and parallel congresses, insisting the process was peaceful across Delta State’s 25 local government areas. State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo maintained that the congress adhered to guidelines set by the party’s National Working Committee and was observed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
With both camps submitting separate executive lists for recognition, political observers say the final decision now lies with the APC’s national leadership. Their ruling, analysts warn, could either restore unity or deepen divisions within the party.
Observers also draw parallels between the APC’s current internal strife and the historic factional crises that once weakened the PDP in Delta State, cautioning that unresolved rivalry may erode party cohesion and intensify political tensions as 2027 approaches.
