Coalition raises alarm over one-sided appointments, sidelining foundational members in Delta APC

A coalition, Delta North APC Coalition for Equity, (DNAPCCE), has raised an alarm that vital appointments and decision making processes remain concentrated within Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s structure, sidelining foundational party loyalists.

The coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), and all relevant authorities to intervene and ensure a fair, sustainable and equitable integration process of members in the state.

Chairman of DNAPCCE, and leader of APC in the state, Alex Ikpeazu and Secretary, Kaemmer Emina, stated during an expanded strategic meeting with representatives from the nine local government areas of the Delta north senatorial district in Abuja, emphasizing the need to strengthen party unity through genuine integration and recognition of committed stakeholders who have sustained the APC in Delta State over the years.

While raising concerns of long-standing APC members who feel increasingly marginalized following the defection of the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the subsequent dominance of the governor’s structure, he said the current situation undermines party cohesion and contradicts the spirit of the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.

Ikpeazu described the meeting as “historic and strategic, stating that Governor Oborevwori met an already established APC structure in Delta State, and therefore, political fairness and strategic alignment of both old and new structures are essential as the 2027 elections approaches.

While reaffirming that the coalition’s position is not rebellious but a call for equity, balance, and proper integration, he emphasized that the Governor who has displayed genuine and passionate delivery of infrastructure across the state, should use the same passion to integrate old APC members into the state government to complete his MORE Agenda.

They added that grassroots members feel abandoned, stating that appointments still reflect the former PDP pattern, contrary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu style of total integration.

“The 40/60 per cent power-sharing formula (for government and party structure), advocated in states such as Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, be applied in Delta state to strengthen the party at the grassroots thereby activating loyalty and clean sweep in the 2027 elections.

“As the 2027 elections draws near, it is imperative for the Governor to dissolve and reconstitute his cabinet to reflect a fair, inclusive and united APC in Delta state.

“The movement for equity is gaining momentum and should not be ignored. This forum remains fully committed to the success of the APC, but insists that fairness, inclusion, and respect for long-standing party loyalists must prevail.

“There is no old or new APC, but noting that no tangible steps or commitment have been taken to foster unity, leaving long-standing members frustrated.

“We condemned the hesitation of certain party leaders to speak out because they are benefiting personally from the government.

“We urge the Governor to show genuine commitment to the APC Delta state by ensuring balanced appointments and cabinet restructuring,” they stated.