The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has dismissed reports alleging violence and parallel congresses during its just-concluded local government congress, describing such claims as false and a deliberate attempt to misrepresent what it called a peaceful and orderly exercise.
In a statement issued in Asaba on Saturday, the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, said there were no incidents of violence anywhere in the state, including in Ethiope West Local Government Area, where some online reports had claimed tensions erupted.
According to him, the congresses held across the 25 local government areas were conducted strictly in line with party guidelines and under the observation of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), further reinforcing the credibility of the process.
“There were no parallel congresses anywhere in Delta State,” Onojeghuo stated.
“The reports suggesting violence in Ethiope West or the emergence of factional executives are entirely false. The process was peaceful, transparent and widely accepted by party stakeholders.”
He specifically addressed reports concerning the member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Rep. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, clarifying that she was neither attacked nor harassed during the congress at Ovade-Oghara.
Rather, he said, she attended the event and departed without incident — a development he noted contradicts claims of unrest.
Onojeghuo described the violence narrative as “media sensationalism,” insisting that the atmosphere throughout the exercise reflected maturity, consultation, and consensus-building rather than confrontation.
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“For the first time in many years, our internal process was devoid of rancour, snatch-and-grab tactics, or winner-takes-all politics. What we witnessed was discipline, unity, and respect for due process,” he added.
The party credited the prevailing calm to what it described as improved internal cohesion under the leadership of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, noting that integration within the party structure had reduced friction and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders.
Onojeghuo maintained that the successful conduct of the congress signals a new phase for the APC in Delta State, stressing that attempts to create an impression of crisis would not distract the party from consolidating its structure ahead of future electoral contests.
He called on members to ignore what he termed “baseless and divisive narratives,” urging them instead to rally behind the newly elected executives and remain focused on strengthening the party at the grassroots.
“The Delta APC remains peaceful, united and intact,” he said. “There was no violence, no parallel structure, and no breach of peace anywhere in the state.”
