A major controversy has erupted within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State as the leadership of the Ughelli North Local Government Chapter has dismissed what it described as a “purported suspension and replacement” of its executive officers, declaring the move unconstitutional, fraudulent, and “dead on arrival.”
The party, in a swift reaction, also suspended some of its executives, Samuel Evwighono, Juliet Oduma, Daniel Osiebe, Pharm. Ogaabe Suzzy, Omokiniovo John, Onakpoma Philip, Ekama Ufuoma, Sobotie Paul, and Emeyarakpo Ufuoma were indefinitely suspended for “Gross Misconducts”, describing them as impostors.
In a strongly worded rejoinder addressed to the Delta State Working Committee of the APC and signed by the Ughelli North APC Chairman, Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje, and Secretary, Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze (ACArb), the local leadership faulted the alleged emergency meeting of October 4, 2025, during which a vote of no confidence was reportedly passed on its top executives.
According to the letter, “there was no such meeting at the party secretariat on the 4th of October 2025. The Chairman, Mr Obakpororo Onoabedje, never called any meeting on the said day, nor did the Secretary, who is the custodian of the keys to the secretariat, authorise access for any meeting. Any such claim is entirely false and fabricated.”
The Ughelli North APC executives described the alleged suspension as a “flagrant breach and rape of the party’s constitution”, citing Article 2 of the APC Constitution (2022 as amended), which provides for constitutional supremacy, declaring any contrary decision “illegal and void.” The letter further stressed that “the purported suspension and replacement is null and void ab initio for being contrary to basic law and indeed the constitution of our party.”
Quoting several legal precedents, including Majigiri vs Yusuf (2023) and Ariori vs Elemo (1983), the party officers emphasised that the so-called meeting and its outcome were unconstitutional and devoid of fair hearing, a fundamental principle of justice. “Such illegal action devoid of fair hearing is null and void ab initio for being contrary to basic law and indeed the constitution of our party,” the letter stated.
The rejoinder also described as “ridiculous” the claim that the Chairman had failed to convene meetings since June 2023, insisting that “the Chairman, alongside two-thirds majority of the Local Government Executive Committee, have held meetings and discharged their duties effectively to the admiration of party members.” It noted that new members were registered and issued party cards as recently as May 15, 2025.
Responding to allegations of anti-party activities, the leaders declared, “The Chairman, Secretary, and Organising Secretary have consistently engaged in party-building efforts, reconciling new members and promoting the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” They accused unnamed “impostors” of attempting to destabilise the party at the grassroots level in clear violation of the constitution.
In a striking revelation, the Ughelli North APC described the purported resolution as a “fabrication,” pointing out that “a deceased Chief Dickson Umukoro allegedly signed the letter,” rendering it invalid. “The signatories of the purported resolution do not form part of the appropriate organ empowered to call or vote at such a meeting,” the statement added.
The rejoinder further alleged that “certain desperate elements within the party are bent on imposing themselves through illegal machinations and forged documents,” warning that such acts only serve to weaken party unity ahead of the next elections.
“The Ughelli North APC is united, focused, and will not be distracted by political merchants whose only aim is to cause confusion,” the statement declared.
Reaffirming their legitimacy, Onoabedje and Ubogun-Nze stated: “The state of the Ughelli North Local Government Area Executive Committee under Chairman Obakpororo Onoabedje’s leadership is very strong and well-positioned to ensure that our party continues to grow stronger as we sweep all political offices at the polls in the next general elections.”
In a follow-up resolution adopted at a leadership review meeting, the Ughelli North APC passed a vote of confidence on Hon. Obakpororo Onoabedje (Chairman), Barr. (Mrs.) Beauty Ubogun-Nze (Secretary), and Mr Henry Ophori (Organising Secretary). The statement commended their “transparent leadership and commitment to the unity and stability of the party,” assuring that the current executives remain the duly recognised and legitimate officers of the APC in Ughelli North.
In the same breath, the chapter declared Mr Samuel Evwighono, Ms Juliet Oduma, and Mr Daniel Osiebe as “impostors and meddlesome interlopers”, warning that “no party member should deal with the aforesaid persons in respect of the APC.”
The statement emphasised that their activities were “unconstitutional and aimed at misleading unsuspecting members of the public and party faithful.”
Citing Article 215 (vi) of the APC Constitution, the party further announced the indefinite suspension of nine individuals from the Ughelli North Executive Committee for “gross misconduct, insubordination, and breach of party discipline.”
Those affected include Samuel Evwighono, Juliet Oduma, Daniel Osiebe, Pharm. Ogaabe Suzzy, Omokiniovo John, Onakpoma Philip, Ekama Ufuoma, Sobotie Paul, and Emeyarakpo Ufuoma.
However, in recognition of the right to fair hearing, the leadership noted that “an Investigation Committee will be set up to examine the infractions and constitutional breaches of the suspended members.” The statement further warned that “all those claiming leadership of our great party—most of whom are recent decampees bent on causing division—should desist forthwith.” It reaffirmed the party’s commitment to unity, discipline, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as members prepared for total victory in 2027.
They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “transformative Renewed Hope Agenda” and Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for his “MORE Agenda that is transforming Delta State into an Eldorado.” Copies of the rejoinder were also sent to the APC National Chairman, National Working Committee, and other key officers of the party.
