Alleged plans to disrupt Delta APC reception for Chief Great Ogboru exposed

Information reaching our newsroom indicates that former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has allegedly perfected plans to use hired thugs to disrupt the upcoming reception event organized by the Delta State All Progressives Congress to welcome back Chief Great Ogboru into the party.

Both Ogboru and Omo-Agege are no strangers to each other, having joined the APC from the Labour Party in 2017, with Chief Great Ogboru becoming the gubernatorial candidate of the party in the 2019 governorship election, where he lost to the immediate former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. 

However, following his inability to retain the structure of the party in the state due to the political schemes of the former Deputy President of the Senate, who leveraged his position to seize the party structure at the state congresses, he left the party for the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as its governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections and both political gladiators have since become sworn enemies seeking to undo each other at any given opportunity.

Sources within the party reveal that Omo-Agege, who contested the Delta State governorship election in 2023, is apprehensive that Ogboru’s return could pose a significant threat to his 2027 gubernatorial ambition. The former senator reportedly sees Ogboru as a formidable contender for the APC ticket, potentially disrupting his political calculations.

This development follows previous allegations that Omo-Agege used thugs to disrupt the State Caucus meeting in Asaba early last year. It was alleged that the move was aimed at preventing a possible vote of no confidence against him by the state chairman of the party, Elder Omeni Sobotie, with whom he is at loggerheads, and key stakeholders of the party who were reportedly dissatisfied with his leadership style that cost the party the 2023 governorship election in the state.

Several party insiders warn that any attempt to instigate violence at the reception could lead to heightened tensions within the Delta APC, further deepening internal divisions ahead of the next electoral cycle. Security agencies and party leadership have been urged to take proactive measures to ensure a peaceful and orderly event.

Efforts to reach Senator Omo-Agege or his media team for comments on these allegations have so far been unsuccessful. However, stakeholders within the party insist that the APC must remain united and focused on strengthening its chances in future elections rather than engaging in internal power struggles.

Lately, the party has been embroiled in a leadership tussle primarily involving factions led by Omo-Agege and Chief Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. This internal conflict has intensified following the 2023 general elections, leading to a series of accusations and counter-accusations among party leaders.

In an effort to address these divisions, the State Working Committee established a reconciliation committee chaired by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor. The committee proposed the formation of a Leadership Council co-chaired by both Omo-Agege and Keyamo, aiming to foster unity and shared leadership within the party. However, this recommendation has been met with resistance from supporters of Omo-Agege.

Political analysts warn that if these internal conflicts persist, the APC's prospects in future elections, particularly against the dominant People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, could be jeopardized. They emphasize the necessity for decisive intervention from the national leadership to mediate the crisis and promote a unified leadership structure within the state chapter.

Presently, the party in Delta State is at a critical juncture where embracing a unified leadership arrangement is urgently required to present a credible alternative to the PDP and meet the expectations of its supporters.

As the reception for Chief Great Ogboru approaches, all eyes are on the Delta APC leadership to ensure a smooth and crisis-free event. The party faithful and the general public await further developments as the political landscape in Delta State remains fluid and continues to evolve.