Fijabi Olanrewaju
EIGHTEEN prominent leaders in the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have distanced themselves from the establishment of ‘Delta APC Leadership Council’, insisting that its creation is “a flagrant and reprehensible affront to the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the principles of democracy.”
The leaders include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, former Deputy President of the Senate and the state APC 2023 governorship candidate; Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Bar. Francis Obigbor, State Deputy Chairman and Dr. Peter Akarogbe, State Secretary, among others, in a joint statement, maintains that the establishment of ‘Delta APC Leadership Council” is a brazen and unauthorised act that contravenes the party’s constitution and the laws of Nigeria.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, they insist, has clarified that it did not grant approval for the inauguration or operation of this council, contrary to their claims.
The joint statement of the APC stalwarts is hereunder reproduced verbatim.
RE: NOTICE OF INAUGURATION OF DELTA APC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
We, the undersigned, are shocked and outraged to discover our names inexplicably linked to a purported Delta APC Leadership Council in a Notice of Inauguration signed by Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq., which is currently in circulation.
We categorically and unequivocally deny any involvement, association, or knowledge of this council, and we condemn in the strongest terms the blatant and egregious attempt to falsely affiliate us with this illegitimate and unconstitutional entity.
The creation of this council is a flagrant and reprehensible affront to the constitution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the principles of democracy. Its establishment is a brazen and unauthorized act that contravenes the party’s constitution and the laws of Nigeria. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified that it did not grant approval for the inauguration or operation of this council, contrary to their claims.
Furthermore, we do not support the proposal that the College of Leaders should nominate party executives and select party candidates. This proposal contradicts our party’s constitution, which grants the power to elect party executives and nominate candidates solely to registered members. Our party’s constitution and extant laws clearly outline the democratic process for electing party executives and candidates, leaving no room for the College of Leaders to usurp this power.
We, therefore, strongly object to our names being surreptitiously included in this document without our knowledge, consent, or participation. This is a clear and blatant violation of our rights, and an attempt to maliciously drag us into an illegal and unconstitutional venture. We will not allow our names to be used to legitimize this sham contraption.
We uphold the sanctity of the APC constitution, which emphasizes the supremacy of the party constitution for effective governance and promoting its ideals. We recognize and support all the organs established by the constitution for our state, including:
- State Congress
- State Executive Committee
- State Caucus
- State Working Committee
- Senatorial District Committee
- Local Government Area Congress
- Local Government Area Caucus
- Local Government Area Committee
- Ward Congress
- Ward Executive Committee
- Polling Unit Committee.
These organs are the legitimate and constitutional bodies that govern the affairs of the party.
While the creators of this contraption have the right to establish their own structures or pressure groups to advance their interests, they have no right to include our names without our consent. We will not participate in or support their illegitimate and unconstitutional activities.
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its constitution. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote the party’s interests, unity, and values. However, we will not recognize or subscribe to any non-constitutional organ, regardless of its name or claims.
We demand that our names be immediately and unconditionally excluded from any documents or publications related to this council. We also demand that the creators cease and desist from using our names to lend legitimacy to their illegal venture.
We urge all party members and stakeholders to reject this illegitimate council and its unconstitutional proposals. We must stand together to protect our party’s democratic foundations and uphold the rule of law.
Signed,
- 1. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Cfr, Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Delta State APC Leader and 2023 Governorship Candidate
- 2. Senator Peter Nwaoboshi
- 3. Bar. Francis Obigbor, State Deputy Chairman
- 4. Dr. Peter Akarogbe, State Secretary
- 5. Rt Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Member, House of Representatives (Ethiope Federal Constituency)
- 6. Hon. Mercy Almona Ise, former Member, House of Representatives
- 7. Hon Daniel Reyenieju, former Member House of Representatives
- 8. Prophet Jones Ode Erue, former Delta State APC Chairman
- 9. Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu, former Speaker, DSHA
- 10. Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya, former Speaker, DSHA
- 11. Hon. Friday Osanebi, former Deputy Speaker, DSHA and 2023 Deputy Candidate
- 12. Chief Ayiri Emami, Leader, Warri South-West
- 13. Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Olejeme, Leader, Oshimili South
- 14. Comrade Ovuozuorie Macaulay, former Secretary to the State Government, Delta State
- 15. Hon. Barr Edafe Emakpor, Minority Leader, DSHA
- 16. Hon. Julius Okpoko, former Minority Leader, DSHA
- 17. Mr. Austin Oriboye, Vice Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District
- 18. S.K.Palama, Leader, Udu LGA
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