The Delta State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially received the highly anticipated report from its Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, OON. The committee, established to address internal party crises and strengthen the APC’s prospects for the 2027 general elections, presented its findings at the APC State Secretariat in Asaba on Friday, November 29, 2024.
Representing the committee chairman, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Elder Godsday Orubebe detailed the actionable recommendations within the report, emphasizing its focus on unifying the party at all levels.
The Reconciliation Committee proposed the creation of a State Leadership Council, comprising 40 leaders from Delta’s 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs). The council would include prominent figures such as Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Olorogun Festus Keyamo as co-chairmen.
Other notable recommendations include:
– Establishing Leadership Councils at senatorial, LGA, and ward levels to strengthen grassroots unity.
– Decentralizing authority for candidate nominations during Party Congresses to prevent dominance by individual leaders.
– Launching a robust fundraising strategy to ensure collective financial responsibility and eliminate dependency on single financiers.
The report reflects the contributions of 18 active committee members, with 13 signing off on the final document. Four members abstained, and one was absent during the final deliberation.
Acting State Chairman Chief Paulinus Akpeki, who was recently appointed under Article 14.2(iii) of the APC Constitution following Elder Omeni Sobotie’s medical leave, pledged the SWC’s unwavering commitment to implementing the committee’s recommendations.
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“The SWC is dedicated to ensuring the report’s full implementation, as it represents a significant step toward resolving internal crises and achieving lasting unity within Delta APC,” Akpeki stated.
The SWC plans to submit the report to the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for final approval and endorsement.
Elder Orubebe expressed optimism about the committee’s proposals, saying, “If faithfully implemented, these recommendations will restore unity and strength to Delta APC, positioning us for greater success in 2027.”
The SWC’s decision to appoint Chief Akpeki as Acting Chairman is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the party’s leadership structure ahead of upcoming political activities. During the SWC meeting on November 29, 2024, in Asaba, members confirmed Akpeki’s role and outlined plans to steer the APC toward a more united and formidable future.
This move, coupled with the Reconciliation Committee’s report, is expected to solidify the party’s leadership framework and resolve lingering disputes, setting the stage for a strong showing in the 2027 elections.
