The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has dismissed claims by the Ogharefe Council of Chiefs and Elders (Oguedion R’Ogharefe) that its recent Ethiope West Local Government Congress was marred by crisis.
In a statement by the State Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party described the council’s position as inaccurate and politically coloured, insisting that the February 21, 2026, congress was conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with party guidelines.
According to the APC, the exercise followed procedures approved by its National Working Committee and was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The party said there were no officially documented cases of violence or disruption linked to the congress.
Reacting to the council’s description of the event as a “near-war situation,” the APC said such language was exaggerated and capable of causing unnecessary anxiety within Ethiope West council. It maintained that the process remained orderly from accreditation through the conclusion of voting.
The party also defended its decision to move the venue of the congress to Ovade community in Oghara, explaining that venue selection falls squarely within the prerogative of the party’s authorised organs. It stressed that internal political activities are governed by party constitutions and regulations and are not subject to external directives.
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On allegations of exclusion, the APC clarified that participation was determined by established accreditation requirements applicable to all eligible delegates. It argued that refusal by some individuals to comply with standard procedures should not be misconstrued as institutional bias or deliberate disenfranchisement.
The statement further expressed concern over what it termed the council’s entry into partisan matters, cautioning traditional institutions against actions that could compromise their neutrality.
It added that grievances relating to party congresses should be addressed through the APC’s constitutionally recognised dispute resolution channels rather than through public pronouncements.
Reiterating its respect for traditional institutions, the Delta APC maintained that it remains committed to internal democracy, rule of law and peaceful political engagement across the state.
