APC: Mutterings may escalate to crisis as Delta State Working Committee adopts consensus for primaries

The mutterings amongst aspirants and key stakeholders of All Progressives Congress in Delta State, may escalate to open crisis, following the reported decision of the State Working Committee to adopt consensus mode for the forthcoming primaries of the party.

Despite apparent preference for direct mode of primary by majority of the aspirants in Delta State, eyeing Senatorial, House of Representatives, House of Assembly seats in the forthcoming primaries of the All Progressives Congress, the Delta State Working Committee in a statement released Tuesday April 28, encouraged “the use of the consensus option in the forthcoming primaries in-line with the Party’s constitution and other relevant guidelines.”

Recall that the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, had emphasized that where all aspirants to a particular position fail to agree on consensus, the direct primary mode should be adopted.

Fresh Angle International, can however report that a statement credited to the Delta State Publicity Secretary of APC Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq, was silent on the option of direct primary, should the consensus mode fails.

The statement, which was released Tuesday afternoon, April 28, stated inter-alia: “

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MEETING OF THE STATE WORKING COMMITTEE WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT PARTY CHAIRMEN* 

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, wishes to inform members and stakeholders of our great Party, that at the meeting between the State Working Committee and Local Government Party Chairmen held on 28th April, 2026, at the Party’s State Secretariat, presided over by the State Chairman, *Chief Solomon Arenyeka, JP*, extensive deliberations were held on the framework for the conduct of the forthcoming Party primaries in the State.

After reviewing developments within the Party and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the All Progressives Congress, the Electoral Act 2026, and the directive of the Party’s National Leadership, it was agreed that the consensus option remains the preferred approach for the emergence of candidates in the forthcoming primaries, where such an outcome is achieved through broad consultation and mutual understanding among critical stakeholders.

The meeting noted that this position is consistent with the positive experience of the Party during the recent congresses conducted across the State under the leadership of *His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori,* where the application of consensus contributed significantly to the orderly and successful conduct of the exercise.

Consequently, the following were noted for the guidance of members:

1. The Party shall encourage the use of the consensus option in the forthcoming primaries in line with the Party’s constitution and other relevant guidelines.

2. The venues designated for stakeholder consultations in the various Local Government Areas will be communicated to the respective Local Government Party Chairmen by the appropriate organs of the Party in due course.

3. The categories of leaders and stakeholders expected to participate in the consultation meetings in each Local Government Area shall also be communicated through established Party channels at the appropriate time.

Local Government Party

Chairmen have accordingly been advised to begin the necessary engagements with critical leaders and stakeholders within their respective Local Government Areas to promote understanding and foster the unity required for a peaceful and harmonious process.

The Party is confident that where the consensus option is pursued in good faith and with sincere consultation, it will help minimize avoidable disagreements and further strengthen the unity of the Party ahead of future electoral activities.

Delta State APC therefore urges all aspirants, leaders, and members to continue to place the collective interest of the Party above personal considerations and to cooperate with the leadership at all levels in the overall interest of the Party.

The Party remains committed to internal democracy, fairness, and the continued progress of the All Progressives Congress in Delta State.

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