By Emeke Alexander
The suspension crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agbarha Ward, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has taken a dramatic turn, as Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi has rejected the action against him, describing it as “null and void” and lacking legitimacy.
Speaking in a phone interview with NewsNet Nigeria, Obiuwevbi dismissed the ward executive that announced his suspension, alleging that its leadership is made up of recent defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have “no locus” to take such disciplinary action.
According to him, “the so-called ward chairman who claimed to have suspended me was the PDP ward chairman who just decamped to the party some months ago,” accusing the group of converting their former PDP ward structure into that of the APC without regard for existing party members.
Obiuwevbi questioned the authority of the faction, arguing that longstanding APC members who built the party at the grassroots were being sidelined.
“What happened to the people in the party before they decamped?” he asked, insisting that loyal members who delivered electoral victories in 2023 cannot be pushed aside.
Highlighting his political track record, Obiuwevbi said he played a central role in the APC’s success during the 2023 general elections, including mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu and coordinating campaign structures across Delta Central Senatorial District.
He further stated that he served as constituency campaign council chairman, Delta Central campaign coordinator, and party agent during collation for multiple elections, maintaining that his contributions to the party make the suspension claims questionable.
In a sharp rebuttal, Obiuwevbi accused the opposing faction of attempting to hijack the party structure.
“They said they have come to take over. How can a tenant sack a landlord?” he asked, using a metaphor to describe what he called an illegitimate power grab.
The crisis has since escalated into a full-blown factional battle, with Obiuwevbi confirming that his camp has carried out a counter-suspension of those who announced the initial sanctions.
He said the action was taken during a ward meeting led by Comrade Morrison Aruoture, which he described as the authentic leadership.
“Yes, they have been countered and suspended for causing division and trying to kill the party in Agbarha,” he said, adding that key figures, including Chief Terry Noah and Chief Alfred Onawa, remain suspended by his faction.
Obiuwevbi maintained that new entrants into the party cannot assume control within months of joining, insisting that “they came to meet us in the party” and cannot unilaterally restructure its leadership.
With both factions now claiming legitimacy and issuing parallel suspensions, the APC in Agbarha Ward appears deeply divided, raising concerns among stakeholders about the impact of the crisis on party cohesion ahead of future political contests.
