Tension is rising within the All Progressives Congress in Delta State as ward congress activities turn into fierce political contests between aides of the governor and elected ward executives, with the struggle for control already resulting in the suspension of Information Commissioner Charles Aniagwu.
Party insiders say it is widely understood that political appointees are expected to deliver their wards during internal elections and general polls. Failure to do so is often seen as a setback that could affect future political relevance and access to government patronage.
This expectation has reportedly triggered intense competition at ward and local government levels, as some appointees move to ensure that ward executives remain loyal to them. In several areas, the contest has reportedly degenerated into open confrontation, with allegations of imposition, intimidation and supremacy battles over consensus lists.
At APC Ward 7 in Ika North East Local Government Area, ward executives took the unusual step of suspending the State Commissioner for Works Rural Development and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, over alleged anti party activities.
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The suspension was conveyed in a letter dated February 11, 2026, signed by Ward Chairman Chukwuka Ojinji, Vice Chairman Ambrose Okafor and Secretary Magboma Confidence. The ward leadership accused Aniagwu of endorsing what they described as an illegal consensus executive list and undermining party leadership despite not being an elected ward executive member.
The development has added a new dimension to the Delta APC ward congress crisis, raising questions about internal party discipline and the influence of government appointees in grassroots structures.
A similar dispute has emerged in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where party members in Ogor Ward have raised concerns over alleged political intimidation. Sources within the party accused Kelly Oghenekevwe, a member of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue and a governor’s appointee, of interfering in ward matters and frustrating party leaders.
APC chieftain Chief John Oruma criticised the alleged interference and called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene to prevent a repeat of past political setbacks in the council area.
According to Oruma, a stakeholders meeting held on February 8, 2026, at the Ughelli North council secretariat sought to ratify executive lists from the eleven wards in the local government. While most wards were cleared, Ogor Ward’s list became contentious, prompting the formation of a three member committee led by Professor S W E Ibodje, alongside Professor Patrick Muoboghare and Chief Mrs Meg Atano.
The committee reportedly reviewed the submissions and recommended the ratification of the list presented by Chief Raphael Emecho on behalf of Ogor Ward, a decision said to have received unanimous approval at the meeting. However, party elders later claimed they began receiving calls suggesting that the list should be reviewed again on the alleged directive of the governor.
Observers note that these incidents reflect deeper struggles within Delta APC over control of grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections. While some wards have managed to resolve disputes quietly, others are witnessing open confrontations that could reshape the party’s internal balance of power.
As ward congress activities continue across Delta State, attention is now focused on how party leaders and the state government will manage the growing tensions to prevent further fractures within the APC.
