30/11/2024
DELTA APC: "I REMAIN THE STATE CHAIRMAN", DECLARES SOBOTIE
The All Progressives Congress, Delta State chapter has again been thrown into leadership crisis following a purported stepping aside by the state Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie on health grounds.
News broke out on Friday when a statement signed by the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo stated that the State working Committee has appointed the Delta Central Vice Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki to, instead of the Deputy Chairman, Francis Obigbor, step in as the Acting Chairman.
The announcement has caused uproar and has sharply divided the party again with the former Deputy Senate President's camp rejecting the Akpeki's nomination. They insisted that Francis Obigbor must be allowed to occupy the position, also citing relevant sections of the party's Constitution.
First to react was the immediate and pioneer state chairman of the party, Jones Erue who questioned from where the SWC derived it's powers to make such appointment or pronouncement without the express ratification by the SEC. He therefore called that a SEC meeting be convened without any further delay or risk plunging the party into constitutional banana peels.
On the other hand, the state Deputy Chairman, Barr. Francis Obigbor has declared himself as the Ag. State Chairman, describing the announcement of Paulinus Akpeki as a failed palace coup.
All pointers indicate that he has the backing and blessings of Senator Ovie Omoagege whom many believe is fighting the biggest political intra political battle of his life as many top leaders of the party are said to be unhappy with his leadership style which they believe cost the party the 2023 Governorship election.
However, in a twist of events, the state chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie has denied ever stepping aside and declared that he remains in charge of the party.
Sobotie spoke to our reporter on phone earlier on Saturday. He stated that it is wrong for any of the feuding groups to lay claim to his seat when he never stepped down or announced same through any means. He asked our Reporter to demand for any letter addressed to the SWC or even the SEC notifying them of his alleged stepping down as Chairman.
He said "I am surprised that this is happening. We are just recovering from a prolonged crisis and instead of consolidating on it, some persons are just out to throw the party back into crisis. I remain the Chairman of the party unless I communicate otherwise you the appropriate quarters through the appropriate means. Until I send in a letter, nobody should lay claim to my seat".
Asked further who is supposed to legitimately step in if he finally sends in a letter, he maintained that the position of the party's Constitution and precedences will prevail. He therefore asked party faithful and stakeholders to ignore both Akpeki and Obigbor.
As it stands presently, the Delta State APC can now be said to have 3 Chairmen and unless the leaders, Elders and all critical stakeholders take drastic and urgent measures, all efforts to reposition the party ahead of 2027 might come to nuts as early as in 2024.