$50,000 ‘Kola Nut’ Donation Sparks Crisis in Delta APC

A fresh crisis has engulfed the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State following allegations of fund misappropriation linked to a controversial $50,000 donation meant to foster party unity. The scandal is threatening to tear the party apart just two years ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.

The trouble reportedly started after an enlarged APC meeting held last Friday in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area. Designed as a unifying forum to consolidate the party’s strength in Delta South Senatorial District, the meeting instead descended into controversy over claims that leadership figures diverted large sums of donated funds.

According to reliable sources, over $50,000 was contributed by party stakeholders for what was described as a symbolic “kola nut wedge” a traditional gesture of peace and goodwill aimed at solidifying internal cohesion. Matthew Tonlagha, a prominent Ijaw businessman and chairman of Maton Engineering, reportedly donated $30,000. Additional contributions of $10,000, $5,000, $4,000, and $2,000 came from other financiers. Over ₦200 million was also reportedly raised in local currency.

However, insiders allege that only ₦72 million of the naira donations was disbursed ₦9 million per local government area in the eight LGAs of the district leaving party members asking where the remaining funds went.

Another senior party figure and former Delta State lawmaker called the incident as shameful, accusing the APC leadership and ex-members of the now-defunct Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state executive of conspiring to corner the funds.

The meeting, chaired by Delta APC Chairman Omeni Sobotie, was attended by several high-profile figures including Delta South Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, former Senator James Manager, Chief Ayirimi Emami and state and federal appointees. Despite the heavy political presence, no immediate steps were taken to address the controversy.