A major leadership crisis has broken out within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following a disputed attempt to suspend and replace the executive officers of the party’s Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter.
The Ughelli North APC leadership, in a strongly worded rejoinder, described the alleged suspension and replacement as “unconstitutional, fraudulent, and dead on arrival,” insisting that it remains the duly recognised authority of the party in the area.
The statement, jointly signed by the Ughelli North APC Chairman, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, and the Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze (ACArb), was addressed to the Delta State Working Committee of the APC. The local executives dismissed claims that an emergency meeting was held on October 4, 2025, where a vote of no confidence was purportedly passed on the chapter’s leadership.
He said, “There was no such meeting at the party secretariat on the 4th of October 2025. The Chairman, Obakpororo Onoabedje, never called any meeting on the said day, nor did the Secretary, who is the custodian of the keys to the secretariat, authorise access for any meeting. Any such claim is entirely false and fabricated.”
The Ughelli North APC described the alleged suspension as a “flagrant breach and rape of the party’s constitution,” citing Article 2 of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), which upholds constitutional supremacy. The leadership declared any contrary action “illegal and void ab initio.”
They further referenced court rulings — including Majigiri vs Yusuf (2023) and Ariori vs Elemo (1983) — to emphasise that any decision taken without a fair hearing is unconstitutional and unenforceable.
Refuting allegations that the local leadership had failed to convene meetings since June 2023, the executives insisted that the chapter had remained active and functional. “The Chairman, alongside two-thirds majority of the Local Government Executive Committee, have held meetings and discharged their duties effectively,” the statement read, adding that new members were registered and issued party cards as recently as May 15, 2025.
On accusations of anti-party activities, the executives defended their record, stating that they had continued to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures. They accused unnamed “impostors” of orchestrating the crisis in an attempt to destabilise the APC in Ughelli North.
In a startling revelation, the rejoinder alleged that a deceased party member, Chief Dickson Umukoro, was listed among the signatories to the purported resolution, describing the document as “fabricated and invalid.”
“The signatories of the purported resolution do not form part of the appropriate organ empowered to call or vote at such a meeting,” the statement declared, accusing certain “desperate elements” of using forged documents to impose themselves on the party.
The chapter also announced the indefinite suspension of nine members of its executive committee for alleged “gross misconduct, insubordination, and breach of party discipline.” Those affected include Samuel Evwighono, Juliet Oduma, Daniel Osiebe, Pharm. Ogaabe Suzzy, Omokiniovo John, Onakpoma Philip, Ekama Ufuoma, Sobotie Paul, and Emeyarakpo Ufuoma.
Citing Article 215 (vi) of the APC Constitution, the party said an investigative committee would be set up to review the allegations and ensure fair hearing.
Meanwhile, a vote of confidence was passed on the current leadership of the Ughelli North APC, reaffirming Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje (Chairman), Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze (Secretary), and Mr. Henry Ophori (Organising Secretary) as the legitimate executives.
“The Ughelli North APC is united, focused, and will not be distracted by political merchants whose only aim is to cause confusion,” the statement said, pledging continued loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration and commitment to ensuring victory for the APC in the 2027 elections.
The chapter also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “transformative Renewed Hope Agenda” and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for implementing the “MORE Agenda,” which it said was “transforming Delta State into an Eldorado.”
Copies of the rejoinder were sent to the APC National Chairman, the National Working Committee, and other key party officers for record and further action.
