In a significant move to strengthen its political machinery ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, formally inaugurated its Leadership Council on Friday. The event, held in Evwreni, marked a pivotal moment for the party, as it vowed to deliver resounding victories for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in the upcoming elections. The inauguration brought together prominent party leaders, members, and stakeholders, showcasing the APC’s determination to solidify its presence in the region and promote unity within its ranks.
The newly inaugurated Leadership Council is led by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, a founding leader of the APC in Delta State, who assumes the role of Chairman. The council comprises a robust lineup of seasoned political figures, including Chief Fred Majemite as First Vice Chairman, Chief Terry Noah as Second Vice Chairman, Chief Festus Agas as Secretary, Chief Raphael Emecho as Assistant Secretary, Mr. George Oyefia as Organizing Secretary, Chief Roland Odeni as Assistant Organizing Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon as Publicity Secretary, and David Edjukonemu and Chief Adjode Prosper as Ex-Officio members. This formidable team is poised to steer the party toward achieving its electoral objectives.
In addition to the Leadership Council, the APC inaugurated two key committees to bolster its operations. The Finance and Fundraising Committee, chaired by Stella Okotete with Mr. Kelly Oghenekevwe as Secretary, will focus on mobilizing resources to support the party’s activities. The Elders Committee, chaired by Prof. Samuel Ibodje, will provide strategic guidance and ensure the party remains rooted in its core values. These committees underscore the APC’s commitment to a structured and inclusive approach to political mobilization in Ughelli North.
Addressing the gathering at the Evwreni venue, Chairman Olorogun O’tega Emerhor emphasized the critical role of the Leadership Council as a focal point for mobilizing party members and supporters. He expressed confidence in the party’s readiness to face the challenges of the 2027 elections, citing the impressive turnout of high-caliber individuals at the event. “See, if you are not here, you are not a politician, you really are not,” Emerhor declared passionately. “I have not seen, for a very long time in this dispensation, a gathering of this caliber of persons. I have been involved in political battles and elections since 1999, and looking around this place today, I know we are prepared and ready to go to battle. I don’t see any reason to be worried.”
Emerhor’s remarks highlighted the APC’s preparedness across multiple dimensions—physical, financial, and spiritual. He underscored the party’s commitment to a progressive agenda, assuring that the APC in Ughelli North is fully equipped to deliver on its promises. “We are ready and prepared physically. We are ready and prepared financially. We are also ready and prepared spiritually,” he stated. Emerhor further emphasized that his leadership in the APC is driven by a desire to advance the party’s goals in alignment with the vision of President Tinubu and the state government led by Governor Oborevwori. He expressed confidence that the party’s efforts would yield success, stating, “I think His Excellency the President and our government can go to rest; there is no fear in Ughelli North. We are prepared and ready.”
The event also featured remarks from other key figures, including Olorogun Jaro Egbo, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area. Egbo issued a stern warning against indiscipline within the party, emphasizing the importance of unity and adherence to party principles. “If some people are here and think they are bigger than the party, let me be clear: the party is too big to wait for anybody,” he cautioned. Egbo referenced President Tinubu’s directive to work collaboratively with all party members, signaling the APC’s commitment to fostering teamwork and synergy. “The president was very empathetic, he said, ‘Go and work with these people.’ We are ready to work together,” Egbo added, reinforcing the party’s resolve to operate as a cohesive unit.
Further amplifying the call for unity, Prof. Samuel Ibodje and Morrison Olori, prominent party leaders, advised the Leadership Council to prioritize inclusion in its activities. They stressed that every party member, regardless of their position or influence, should be valued and respected. “No member should be disregarded or undermined,” Ibodje remarked, underscoring the need for an all-inclusive approach to ensure the party’s success. Olori echoed this sentiment, urging leaders to create an environment where every member feels empowered to contribute to the APC’s goals.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Hon. Matthew Omonade, the lawmaker representing Ughelli North Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly. Omonade’s presence added weight to the event, symbolizing the party’s strong connection between its local leadership and state-level representation. His role in inaugurating the council further highlighted the APC’s commitment to aligning its grassroots efforts with broader political objectives.
The formation of the Leadership Council and its associated committees signals a strategic move by the APC to consolidate its influence in Ughelli North and Delta State at large. By bringing together experienced leaders and establishing specialized committees, the party aims to enhance its organizational capacity, mobilize resources effectively, and engage with the electorate in a meaningful way. The council’s inauguration also serves as a rallying point for party members to unite behind a common goal—delivering electoral victories for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in 2027.
The event in Evwreni was more than a ceremonial gathering; it was a demonstration of the APC’s ambition and readiness to dominate the political landscape in Ughelli North. The party’s leadership made it clear that they are not only focused on winning elections but also on fostering a sense of unity and purpose among members. By emphasizing discipline, inclusion, and preparedness, the APC is positioning itself as a formidable force in Delta State politics.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the APC in Ughelli North is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for success. The Leadership Council, under the stewardship of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, is expected to spearhead grassroots mobilization efforts, engage with communities, and build a strong support base for the party’s candidates. The Finance and Fundraising Committee will play a crucial role in ensuring that the party has the resources needed to execute its campaigns effectively, while the Elders Committee will provide the wisdom and experience necessary to navigate the complexities of the political landscape.
The APC’s commitment to delivering President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori reflects its alignment with both national and state-level leadership. By pledging support for Tinubu, the party is signaling its loyalty to the APC’s national agenda, while its endorsement of Oborevwori demonstrates a pragmatic approach to state politics, despite the governor’s affiliation with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This dual commitment underscores the APC’s strategic vision of fostering cooperation and collaboration to achieve its electoral goals.
In conclusion, the inauguration of the Leadership Council in Ughelli North marks a significant milestone for the APC in Delta State. With a strong leadership team, specialized committees, and a clear focus on unity and discipline, the party is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the 2027 elections. The event in Evwreni served as a powerful statement of intent, showcasing the APC’s determination to deliver victories for its candidates and strengthen its foothold in the region. As the party moves forward, its ability to maintain unity, mobilize resources, and engage with the electorate will be critical to its success in the highly competitive political landscape of Delta State.
