Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, February 21, 2026 – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Uvwie Local Government Area successfully held its Local Government Area (LGA) Congress on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Urhobo College playground in Effurun. The event, conducted in line with national party guidelines, featured the emergence of new executives through a consensus arrangement, marking a significant step in strengthening the party's grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The congress drew high-profile attendance from key APC leaders, including the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni JP; the Minister of Aviation and Airspace Development, Olorogun (Barr.) Festus Keyamo, SAN; and the Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Services, Hon. Chief Solomon Okporua Ighrakpata. Their presence underscored the importance of unity and collaboration within the party in one of Delta State's most politically strategic LGAs.
The proceedings commenced with an opening prayer, setting a solemn tone for the day's activities. Barr. Peter Agbaja, serving as the returning officer, called for a motion to dissolve the outgoing executive led by Mr. Winifred ILeLeji. The motion was moved by the leader of the Uvwie Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Rire Okejera Uruesheyi, and seconded by Hon. (Amb.) Patrick A. Efejuku, Special Assistant to the Uvwie Council Chairman on Community Development. Delegates unanimously approved the dissolution, paving the way for the election of new leadership.
Following a thorough accreditation process for all delegates, nominations for the various executive positions were opened. Party leaders unanimously adopted consensus as the mode of election, avoiding competitive voting to promote harmony and inclusivity. At the conclusion of the process, 27 aspirants were elected to fill the executive roles. Mr. Sylvester Dickson Oghenevwede emerged as the new Chairman, with Mr. Christian Eshenake securing the position of Secretary. The remaining 25 positions were filled by other consensus-elected members.
Additionally, three National Delegates were selected through the same consensus method: Rt. Hon. Evelyn Omavowan Oboro, Chief Sunday Onovughe, and Arch. Victor Geteloma.
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the new executive, Chairman Sylvester Dickson Oghenevwede expressed profound gratitude to the leaders and party faithfuls for entrusting them with the responsibility of leading the APC in Uvwie for the next four years. He pledged to foster unity among executive members, collaborate closely with stakeholders, and work tirelessly to deliver landslide victories for the party in upcoming elections. "We will ensure that the party remains strong, united, and focused on winning elections at all levels," he affirmed.
The congress received commendations for its peaceful and orderly conduct from several dignitaries. Minister Festus Keyamo, who serves as the political leader of Uvwie LGA, praised the maturity of members and the successful consensus process. He described the outcome as "a new dawn" for the APC in Uvwie, reflecting the collective resolve to deliver 100 percent support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second term and Governor Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori's reelection in 2027. Keyamo emphasized that the united front demonstrated by the congress positions the party strongly in the LGA.
Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni JP, the Executive Chairman of Uvwie LGA, congratulated the new executive and urged them to prioritize unity and grassroots mobilization. Similarly, Hon. Chief Solomon Okporua Ighrakpata extended his best wishes, calling on the team to build on the momentum to strengthen the party's structures across the council area.
The event attracted a wide array of APC stalwarts and notable figures, including Member Representing Uvwie in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Edafe Emakpo; Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sunny Ekedayen; Vice Chairman of Uvwie LGA, Hon. Andrew Agagbo; outgoing Chairman Mr. Winifred ILeLeji; former House of Representatives member Rt. Hon. Evelyn Omavowan Oboro; former council bosses Hon. Chief Peter Abugewa, Hon. Chief Stella Dabonor, and Hon. (Dr.) Chief Ramson Otega Onoyake; Delta State Chairman/National Trustee of the N.U.R.T.W., Comr. Chief Francis Omochovwen Arhiyor JP; former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Mathew Tsekiri; and APC chieftain Elder Efe Okoledo. Hundreds of party faithfuls also participated, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
The Uvwie LGA Congress aligns with the broader statewide APC LGA congresses held across Delta's 25 council areas on February 21, 2026 (with some activities spilling over or aligned from prior ward exercises on February 18–19). In Uvwie, the emphasis on consensus mirrored successful patterns observed in other LGAs, where executives emerged without rancor, as commended by national monitoring teams and leaders like Keyamo.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to consolidate APC gains in Delta State, a region traditionally dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Recent unity initiatives, including defections and stakeholder engagements under Governor Oborevwori's administration, have bolstered the party's position. Leaders view the smooth congress as a foundation for enhanced mobilization, membership growth, and competitive performance in future polls.
As the new Uvwie executive assumes office, expectations are high for renewed vigor in party activities, community outreach, and alignment with the "Renewed Hope" agenda at federal and state levels. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the consensus-driven leadership will translate into stronger electoral outcomes, particularly in delivering victories for President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori in 2027.
Congratulations poured in for the brand-new APC Uvwie LGA executive, with many hailing the congress as a model of peaceful, inclusive party democracy.
