The All Progressives Congress (APC) State Congress in Delta State, held Tuesday at the Cenotaph in Asaba, was billed as a show of unity ahead of the 2027 elections. Instead, it exposed deep cracks within the party, as several influential figures conspicuously stayed away from the exercise.

Among those who shunned the congress were former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Ned Nwoko, and House of Representatives member Eritake Ibori-Suenu, alongside other key stakeholders.

Their absence cast a long shadow over proceedings and fueled speculation of widening divisions within the state chapter of the ruling party.

While no official reason was given for the boycott, party sources told The Guardian that the aggrieved leaders felt sidelined in the planning and execution of the congress, prompting them to distance themselves from the process along with their loyalists.

The development has intensified concerns that the Delta APC may be headed for a major internal power struggle.

Despite the high-profile absences, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his allies proceeded with the congress, producing a new State Working Committee (SWC) largely composed of political actors who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chief Solomon Arenyeka emerged as State Chairman by consensus, with Elder Moses Iduh as Deputy Chairman and Chief Efe Uko as State Secretary. Other positions were also filled through consensus arrangements.

However, political observers argue that the outcome signals not a consolidation of APC structures but what one party insider described as a “complete takeover” by former PDP elements aligned with the governor.

They added that the development effectively marks a political metamorphosis in which “Delta PDP has swallowed Delta APC — only the name has changed.”

The congress outcome is widely seen as cementing Governor Oborevwori’s dominance over the party machinery in the state, sidelining long-standing APC figures who built the party during its years in opposition.

Addressing party faithful, Oborevwori dismissed allegations of imposition, insisting the process was consultative and inclusive.

“There was no imposition. What we witnessed is broad consultation, agreement and inclusiveness. This structure belongs to all of us,” the governor said, adding that the party must prioritize grassroots mobilization and regular meetings ahead of 2027.

He framed the APC’s consolidation in Delta as part of a broader alignment with the “renewed vision” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the party would deliver sweeping victories from the presidency to the state assembly.

“Our mission is unequivocal. We must secure victory at every level,” Oborevwori declared.

In his acceptance speech, Arenyeka pledged loyalty to the governor’s leadership and vowed to deliver all APC candidates in 2027.

“We have heard the marching orders from our leader. By God’s grace, we shall deliver,” he said.