Drama as Sobotie Ends Medical Leave to Halt Factional Crisis in Delta APC

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

There were indications yesterday of a new wave of factional crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the emergence of two members laying claims to the chairmanship of the party in the state over the weekend.

The development apparently put a question mark on recent conciliation moves with the Olorogun Emerhor O’Tega reconciliation committee meant to stamp out factional tendencies in the state APC and reuniting feuding members across identified divides.

THISDAY learnt that it all began at the weekend with the State Working Committee (SWC) announcing Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the acting State Chairman of the party, consequent upon the medical vacation of the substantive chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie.

However, the announcement by the  party’s state working committee obviously did not go down well another faction, as the State Deputy Chairman of the Party, Chief Francis Obigbor, responded swiftly by declaring himself as the authentic acting Chairman in absence of the substantive chairman, Sobotie, who was still on medical vacation.

Decrying the decision of the SWC as “a gross violation of Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC Constitution”, Obigor asserted that such an unconstitutional action would not stand because it was a legal nullity ab initio.

In a counter-statement titled, “Leadership Update:” Obigor sublitted, “I Assume Duty as Acting Chairman of Delta APC.” 

The statement further said: “My attention has been drawn to a statement issued by Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq., the State Publicity Secretary of APC Delta State, on November 29, 2024. The statement purportedly confirms the appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as acting State Chairman of the party, instead of Elder Omeni Sobotie, who is currently on medical vacation.

“However, Chief Akpeki is, and remains, the Vice-Chairman of the party in Delta Central Senatorial District. 

“As the duly elected Deputy Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the APC, I have assumed duty as the acting chairman of the party, in accordance with Article 14.2 (iii) of the APC Constitution. This article stipulates the order of succession and designates the Deputy State Chairman as the rightful officer to act in the chairman’s absence.

“I urge all party members and the general public to disregard the statement confirming Chief Akpeki’s appointment. It was issued without lawful authority and flagrantly violates the Party’s Constitution.”

Meanwhile, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, a chieftain of the APC in Delta North senatorial district, has decried the divisive development, describing it as “a coup” allegedly masterminded by an APC leader and former chieftain of the PDP in the state, Chief Paulinus Akpeki.

Nwaoboshi in a press statement yesterday , on behalf of his district, said: “The Delta North chapter of the APC  vehemently condemns the audacious and ill-fated attempt by Chief Paulinus Akpeki and his cohorts to usurp the leadership of the party. This brazen move is a clear and present danger to the stability and unity of our great party.

“We unequivocally and unanimously endorse the emergence of Barr Francis Obigbor as the Acting Chairman of APC Delta State, in strict accordance with the APC constitution. As the Deputy State Chairman. Barr Obigbor is the rightful and legitimate person to assume the role of Acting Chairman.

“We will not stand idly by while the Delta Central Senatorial District attempts to rob the Delta North Senatorial District of the position to which it was duly elected at the last congress. The APC constitution is crystal clear on the matter of succession, and we will not allow any individual or group to flout the constitution and impose their will on the party.

“We warn those involved in this attempted coup to desist from their nefarious activities and respect the constitution”.

However, in a dramatic turn of events , the State Chairman of the APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, who was previously reported to be on ‘medical vacation’, announced his resumption of office in the light of the emergence of two acting chairmen of the party.

While Chief  Akpeki from Delta Central and Chief Francis Obigbor from Delta North were each laying claim to the coveted party leadership position, Elder Sobotie suddenly materialised on the local political arena in afternoon, with a terse statement declaring both claimants to the Delta State APC chairmanship position as ‘sacked’ with immediate alacrity.

Specifically, Sobotie stated that Paulinus Akpeki (Delta Central) and Francis Obigbor (Delta North) stand “sacked” as he has resumed as the substantive state party chairman with immediate effect.

Sobotie said in the letter dated 2nd December 2024 and addressed to the  SWC of the APC, with special attention reference of Chief Paulinus Akpeki, that he had resumed his office after a undergoing a successful surgical operation.

“This is to inform you that having gone through a successful surgery, I have resumed my duties as State Chairman of APC effective today the 2nd December, 2024”, Sobotie said while thanking “all for your support and prayer”.