By Ismaeel Aleem
Tension is rising between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Delta State over a controversial motion to endorse Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The rift highlights deepening divisions within the political landscape, with accusations of constitutional violations and unfair play.
The controversy erupted following a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba on Sunday, where Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, rallied support for Oborevwori’s second term.
Addressing APC members, Nwoko declared unanimous backing from the district’s leaders and populace.
“Delta North Senatorial district as a whole will support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori 100%,” he affirmed.
“He has the backing of politicians and people of Delta North on 2027. He has our total goodwill. Delta North is for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.”
Nwoko also pledged unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, emphasising unity for APC’s success at state and federal levels.
The motion, spearheaded by Aviation Minister and Senior Advocate of the Law, Chief Festus Keyamo, called for the APC national leadership to submit Oborevwori’s nomination form directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
It was seconded by Engineer Victor Ochei and endorsed by other leaders, extending similar support to Tinubu for the presidency.
However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from ADC chieftain Chief Julius Efeni Akpovoka, who decried it as a betrayal of justice, fair play, and morality. Reacting vehemently, Akpovoka lambasted Keyamo for ignoring the APC constitution on primaries.
“I am so disappointed that with all that is happening in Delta State poor infrastructure, insecurity across the state especially in Agbarho, poor healthcare delivery, poor educational facilities with children lying on the floor to learn, low economic opportunities yet you Keyamo can rise up and move a motion asking the national leadership of APC to submit the governorship form of only one person,” he stated.
Akpovoka warned that the 2023 PDP primaries fiasco would not repeat in APC, vowing cross-party resistance from Delta’s youth and citizens.
“This is not the time of street governor. This is the time we need somebody who is focused to be governor of Delta State in 2027.
We don’t want a street governor with street sense anymore,” he asserted, targeting Oborevwori, whom he accused of receiving over N3 trillion without tangible results.
As an Urhobo leader from Delta Central, Akpovoka rejected external impositions, insisting his people would select a candidate to complete their tenure.
“We, the people of Delta Central will come together and choose our governor who will serve out the remaining four years so that we will not continue with this street governor anymore,” he cautioned, urging Keyamo to revisit the APC constitution.
