A power struggle has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Nigeria, with the National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, sparking controversy over the party’s leadership and structure.
Recall that last week, Governor Sheriff of Delta State decamped to the APC, a move that has been applauded by some APC leaders in the state, while other prominent APC leaders who should celebrate the swelling of their camp are rather indifferent.
As expected, conflicting narratives and statements are being made by various sections of the party with the latest coming from the National Chairman of the Party, His Excellency Abdullahi Ganduje. Ganduje’s recent remarks have ignited a heated debate, with some leaders questioning his stance.
Ganduje’s Position
Ganduje emphasized that the APC in Delta State was built by a specific individual and that the party’s structure should remain intact. “The party in Delta State was built by someone. The party under the person won Senate and was returned, went back and won two Senatorial seat, one House of Reps and several House of Assembly members,” Ganduje said. He warned newcomers against claiming ownership of the party structure, stating that “newcomers should stop claiming party structure as they have no structure.”
Dissenting Voices
However, not everyone agrees with Ganduje’s position. Festus Keyamo, a prominent APC leader, has been criticized for his comments, which some see as driven by jealousy towards Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege. Keyamo’s remarks have been met with widespread ridicule, with many questioning his political acumen. “The essence of the college of leaders was hinged on pure jealousy of Ovie Omo-Agege,” a source close to the matter said.
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori and former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, may be heading for a showdown over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State as the governor today officially decamps.
Recall that the structure of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, including the 25 local government areas and wards, collapsed their structures into the APC last week.
As the governor is officially welcomed to the APC fold, the former Deputy Senate President is, however, adamant that he remains the leader of the party.
Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and other stakeholders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, last Wednesday, announced their resolve to dump the PDP for APC.
Supremacy battle for Delta APC
While the constitution of the APC is silent on whom the leader of the party is, the governors always took charge of the party affairs due to state resources at their disposal and the influence they wield.
Also, the state governors are regarded as the de facto leaders of the party.
Though Omo-Agege, in collaboration with Mr Festus Keyamo, has been managing the affairs of the party in Delta State, the former Senate President is still insisting that he remained the leader of the party.
A party leader, who clarified the position of the leader in the state, said: “The constitution of the APC is silent on the leader of the party in the state. Currently, Omo-Agege is not holding any political office; he is just saying he remains the leader of the party in Delta State because he has been holding the party together with Festus Keyamo in the state.
‘’We all know that the governors are the defacto leaders of the party. They usually dictate the terms.”
Keyamo affirms Oborevwori as leader
Increasing Nigeria’s gross national happiness
Earlier, while reacting to Oborevwori’s defection, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, declared the governor as his leader, just as he commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership.
Keyamo in a post on X wrote: “Finally, Delta is APC. Thank you, Mr President, for your leadership that has attracted the best to our party. Thank you, my leader and Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for your foresight and courage in taking this bold decision.”
Omo-Agege welcomes Oborevwori, others, maintains party leadership
But while welcoming the Delta State governor to the APC, the Deputy President, yesterday, maintained his status as the leader of the Delta APC.
Omo-Agege, in a statement, said: “The leadership of Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, warmly welcome Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all leaders and members of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, into the All Progressives Congress, APC.
“This historic move underscores the success of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda in driving growth and development in our country.
“In line with outcomes of deliberations with the national leadership of our party, the Progressive Governors Forum, and Delta APC stakeholders, I wish to assure all stakeholders that any issue arising from this development is being carefully considered and managed with prudence and foresight, in the best interests of our party and our beloved state.
“Let us embrace this development with unity, understanding, and a shared commitment to the progress of Delta State and Nigeria.
“In this renewed spirit of brotherhood in Delta APC, I urge all LGA and ward chairmen, their executives, party members, and our teeming supporters to turn out en-masse for the welcome reception of our new members into the APC on April 28, 2025, in Asaba.
“This development reaffirms our commitment to progressive governance, promising a brighter future for our people and a more prosperous, secure, and united Nigeria.
“Together, we will work tirelessly to achieve greatness for Delta State and Nigeria. I also take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his political sagacity and visionary leadership, as well as to the national chairman and the entire National Working Committee of the APC for their unwavering support and tireless efforts.”
Implications for 2027 Elections
The crisis within the Delta APC has raised concerns about the party’s prospects in the 2027 governorship elections. Some analysts believe that the infighting could weaken the party’s chances, while others argue that a united front is essential for success. “2027 is not far again, and we will know who owns the jungle,” a political commentator noted, referencing former Governor James Ibori’s influence in the state.
Conclusion
The conflict within the Delta APC highlights the challenges facing the party in the state. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how the party will navigate these internal conflicts and present a united front to voters. With the party’s structure and leadership under scrutiny, one thing is certain: the Delta APC’s future hangs in the balance.