Delta APC Crisis Worsens as Keyamo, Omo-Agege Factions Clash in Fresh Tussle

The leadership crisis within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is showing no signs of abating, with the party’s internal divisions deepening amid accusations and counter-accusations from its key leaders.

The APC in Delta has been embroiled in turmoil since the 2023 general elections, which gave rise to multiple factions. At the heart of the dispute is Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy Senate President and the APC’s 2023 governorship candidate for Delta State, whose leadership role in the state is being fiercely contested.

Peter Nwaoboshi, a prominent APC chieftain and former senator for Delta North, has been one of the most outspoken critics of the ongoing reconciliation efforts, particularly a recent report submitted by the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led reconciliation committee. Nwaoboshi, a political ally of Omo-Agege, has alleged that the committee’s recommendations are unconstitutional and would only further divide the party.

Nwaoboshi has taken issue with the proposal to have Omo-Agege co-chair the state party leadership alongside a serving minister, citing a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional hierarchy, which places a senator above a minister in terms of precedence. He warned that such a leadership structure would undermine Omo-Agege’s stature within the party.

“Unfortunately, the committee is proposing leadership structures that are not recognized by our party’s constitution, which is a recipe for chaos,” Nwaoboshi stated. “This move would undermine the integrity of our party.”

The infighting has escalated further with allegations from Nwaoboshi about a potential plot by his successor, Senator Ned Nwoko, to dissolve the Delta APC executive. Nwaoboshi accused Nwoko of secretly working with individuals in the Presidency to remove the current leadership of the party, which he described as an unconstitutional act.

In response, former Niger Delta Affairs Minister and APC chieftain, Godsday Orubebe, has sharply criticized Nwaoboshi’s statements. Orubebe, who served as a member of the reconciliation committee, expressed disappointment in Nwaoboshi for failing to actively participate in the committee’s activities.

“Senator Nwaoboshi was a member of the reconciliation committee but never attended any of the meetings,” Orubebe said. “He has no moral right to discredit the report. This committee has provided actionable recommendations that will move the party forward.”

Orubebe further defended the committee’s approach, saying that when constitutional measures fail to resolve a crisis, political conventions become necessary. He also urged all party stakeholders to embrace the committee’s recommendations to ensure APC’s future success in Delta.

Despite the public disagreements, both Nwaoboshi and Orubebe have pledged to continue working to strengthen the APC in Delta. However, the party’s ability to resolve its leadership crisis remains uncertain as rival factions fight for control of the state’s political future.