A dramatic power struggle is unfolding within the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as Elder Omeni Sobotie, the party’s State Chairman, has ended his medical vacation and resumed office amid confusion over the emergence of two rival acting chairmen.
Sobotie, who had been away for medical reasons, issued a statement today declaring that he has returned to his position, effectively nullifying the claims of Chief Paulinus Akpeki from Delta Central and Barrister Francis Obigbor from Delta North, who had both assumed leadership roles in his absence.
In a brief but direct message, Sobotie announced his resumption, stating that both Akpeki and Obigbor had been removed from their posts. The statement read: “I have resumed with immediate effect as State Chairman of APC. I thank you all for your support and prayers during my recovery.”
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The Trumpet Newspaper has confirmed that Sobotie’s official letter, dated December 2, 2024, was addressed to the State Working Committee (SWC), with particular attention to Chief Paulinus Akpeki. The letter, which marks his return after a successful surgery, stated, “Having gone through a successful surgery, I have resumed my duties as State Chairman of APC effective today, December 2, 2024.”
The sudden return of Sobotie is expected to calm nerves in the Delta APC family, as both Akpeki and Obigbor had previously been vying for the same leadership position. This leadership vacuum created by Sobotie’s absence sparked uncertainty within the party, further deepening the divisions among key members of the APC in the state.