Asaba, Delta State, February 21, 2026 – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State marked a significant milestone in its grassroots restructuring on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as it successfully held Local Government Area (LGA) congresses across all 25 council areas. The exercise, characterized by widespread consensus, impressive member turnout, and an absence of reported major disruptions in most locations, saw new executive committees elected to steer the party at the local level ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congresses followed the ward-level exercises held on February 18, 2026, which the party's monitoring committee had already described as largely peaceful and orderly. Building on that momentum, the LGA congresses were supervised by a national committee dispatched by the APC national leadership, with representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel, party officials, and media observers ensuring transparency and compliance with party guidelines.
Upon arrival in Asaba, members of the APC National Committee were warmly received at the state secretariat by State Chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie. In his remarks, Sobotie praised the committee for its oversight of the preceding ward congresses and urged strict adherence to established protocols to maintain the positive atmosphere during the LGA phase. He highlighted the importance of unity as the party consolidates its structures in a state where it has been working to expand influence beyond its traditional strongholds.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Secretary Hon. Simon Atigwe (also referred to as Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe in some reports) reaffirmed the group's commitment to a transparent, inclusive process. Speaking to journalists after monitoring activities in Oshimili South LGA and across the state's three senatorial districts—Delta North, Central, and South—Atigwe expressed deep satisfaction with the conduct. "We have moved around the state to assess the situation on the ground," he said. "There has been no cause for concern anywhere we visited. The exercise has been seamless and orderly." He described Delta as a "special state" for the APC, crediting the peaceful environment to strong participation, maturity among members, and robust security arrangements.
In Oshimili South, where the congress venue served as a focal point for media briefings, Chairman of the Local Government Council Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili described the process as "rancour-free." He emphasized that executives emerged through genuine consensus and affirmation, reflecting broad agreement among stakeholders. Similar sentiments echoed in Oshimili North at Akwukwu-Igbo, where leaders including Hon. Frank Esenwa, Hon. Innocent Esewezie, Chief Patrick Ukah, and Mr. Olisa Ifeajika praised the high turnout as evidence of stakeholder buy-in to the consensus model.
Across other LGAs, the pattern of peaceful consensus prevailed. In Uvwie, Sylvester Oghenewede was elected Chairman, pledging to promote unity and fortify the party's structure. The outgoing Chairman, Wilfred Emeleji, extended congratulations and assured full support for the new team. In Isoko North at Ozoro, Mr. Sunday Omonakome emerged as Chairman, with Council Chairman Hon. Godwin Ogorugba and House member Hon. Bernard Odior commending the orderly process and urging sustained collaboration.
In Isoko South at Oleh Township Stadium, Mr. Victor Ekelega took the helm, backed by prominent figures such as Chief of Staff Prince Johnson Erijo, Hon. Bino Obowomano, and Hon. Warri Ovoke Friday, who all hailed the consensus-driven approach. Ughelli North saw Mr. Lucky Ofomukoro elected at Oharisi Primary School, with Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and Council Chairman Olorogun Jaro Egbo vowing intensified mobilization for future polls. In Ughelli South at Otu-Jeremi, Mr. Ojay Edirin Ojigho led the new executive, commended by Olorogun John Oguma for the peaceful conduct.
Further north, in Ika North-East, Mr. Emeka Asiwe was chosen Chairman, with former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Commissioner Charles Aniagwu lauding the transparent exercise. Ethiope West at Onogborhe Primary School, Ovade-Oghara, produced Mr. Clement Okorodide as Chairman, supported by leaders like Chief Ighoyota Amori, Hon. Ben Igbakpa, Hon. John Nani, and Hon. Halims Agoda, who described it as orderly and unifying. In Ethiope East at the Government Pavilion in Isiokolo, Mr. Midwest Iboyitete assumed leadership, with endorsements from Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Chief Bernard Edewor, Dr. Ben Edoja, Hon. Akpodiogaga Emeyese, Hon. Felix Erhimedafe, and Chief Faith Majemite, who expressed optimism about the party's revitalized strength.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, a key APC figure from Delta, commended the membership for the successful congresses and called on them to channel the unity toward securing re-election victories for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in 2027. Keyamo's involvement underscores the federal dimension of the party's efforts in the state.
The congresses occur amid broader party realignment in Delta, where Governor Oborevwori's leadership has been credited with fostering inclusivity and de-factionalization since late 2025. Recent stakeholder meetings emphasized consensus to minimize disputes, contributing to the smooth LGA outcomes in most areas.
While isolated controversies surfaced in some wards during the earlier phase—including allegations of exclusion or imposition in certain locations—the overall LGA exercise reinforced a narrative of cohesion. Party stakeholders expressed confidence that the newly elected executives will enhance mobilization, membership drives, and strategic positioning for electoral contests.
With fresh leadership in place at the local level, the APC in Delta State appears better equipped to build on recent gains, including high-profile defections and unity initiatives, as it eyes greater influence in the politically competitive Niger Delta region
