Delta APC Crisis Deepens: Chieftain Resigns, Alarms Over ‘Hijack of Party Structure’ and Internal Factionalism

By Obinna Uballa

The internal crisis within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has escalated dramatically following the resignation of a prominent party chieftain, Chief Christopher Obiuwevbi. His departure, accompanied by serious allegations of marginalization, factionalism, and the alleged takeover of party structures by new entrants, signals a deepening rift that threatens the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.

Resignation Letter Details: A Cry of Betrayal

In a resignation letter dated May 8, 2026, addressed to the Ward Chairman of APC Agbarha Ward, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Obiuwevbi—who serves as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio—formally announced his withdrawal from the party. He cited deepening divisions and what he described as a betrayal of loyal members who had labored to build the party from its grassroots.

“It is sad that after many months of ward and Local Government Area (LGA) congresses, which produced factional ward and LGA Excos in Delta State, the National Working Committee has not been able to reconcile these differences and bring unity among party members,” he wrote. This failure to mediate, he argued, has left the party fractured and vulnerable.

Allegations of Structural Hijack by New Entrants

Obiuwevbi further alleged that recent developments within the party reflected a takeover of its structures by political interests that had no history in the APC’s formation and growth in the state. He specifically pointed to the influx of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members who, he claimed, have been allowed to assume leadership roles without regard for the party’s founding principles.

“It is so sad that the PDP members who decamped to APC just some months ago converted their PDP Ward Chairman to factional APC ward Chairman in our ward,” he stated. This practice, he argued, undermines the integrity of the party’s internal democracy and alienates long-standing members who have invested years in building the APC’s presence in Delta State.

Persecution of Loyal Members: A Pattern of Intimidation

Obiuwevbi also expressed disappointment over what he described as persecution of loyal party members. He claimed that he was targeted after speaking out against internal irregularities, including the manipulation of congress results and the sidelining of established party structures.

“As if this insult is not enough, they had the temerity to announce my suspension from the party I laboured to build just because I cautioned against their anti-party activities,” the letter read. This suspension, he argued, was a retaliatory measure designed to silence dissent and consolidate control by a faction aligned with new entrants.

Historical Context: Obiuwevbi’s Role in the 2023 Elections

To understand the gravity of his resignation, it is essential to recall Obiuwevbi’s contributions to the party. He served as Delta Central APC Presidential and Gubernatorial Campaign Coordinator during the 2023 general elections. In this capacity, he coordinated campaign structures across local government areas, mobilized grassroots support, and played a pivotal role in the party’s outreach efforts. His departure represents not just a loss of a key organizer but also a symbolic blow to the morale of loyalists who view him as a defender of the party’s original vision.

Broader Implications: Rising Tensions and Allegations of Sidelining

Meanwhile, political tension continues to rise within the Delta APC over allegations that several aspirants for the State House of Assembly were denied access to the party’s screening process. This development has triggered anger among members and fears of mass defections. Party stakeholders accuse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of sidelining long-standing members in favor of fellow new entrants allegedly aligned with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The dispute is said to be more intense in Delta North, where aggrieved members claim that original party loyalists are being displaced and replaced by emerging political blocs within the party structure. This pattern of displacement, if left unchecked, could erode the party’s grassroots base and create a vacuum that opposition parties may exploit.

Potential for Mass Defections and Coalition Shifts

According to sources, consultations are already ongoing among dissatisfied members and ward leaders, with some reportedly considering a coordinated exit if urgent reconciliation efforts are not undertaken. Such a move could reshape the political landscape in Delta State, potentially strengthening the PDP or other emerging coalitions. Observers warn that the internal crisis could weaken the APC’s grassroots base in Delta State ahead of future elections, especially if the widening mistrust is not addressed through transparent dialogue and structural reforms.

Expert Analysis: What This Means for Delta APC’s Future

Political analysts note that the Delta APC crisis is symptomatic of a broader challenge facing many political parties in Nigeria: the tension between founding members and new entrants who bring resources but also competing loyalties. Without a robust reconciliation mechanism, parties risk alienating their core base while failing to integrate new members effectively. The APC’s National Working Committee must act swiftly to mediate, or the party may face a significant erosion of its electoral viability in Delta State.

For now, the resignation of Chief Obiuwevbi serves as a stark warning. It underscores the urgent need for the APC to address internal grievances, restore trust, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic processes. Failure to do so could have lasting consequences for the party’s fortunes in one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states.

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