The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has announced that it will prioritize the consensus method for the emergence of candidates in its forthcoming party primaries, describing the approach as the most suitable path toward peaceful, orderly, and united internal elections.
This decision was reached during a meeting between the State Working Committee and Local Government Party Chairmen held on April 28, 2026, at the party’s state secretariat. The meeting was presided over by the Delta State Chairman of the party, Chief Solomon Arenyeka.
According to a statement released after the meeting, party leaders engaged in extensive deliberations on the framework for the conduct of the upcoming primaries and reviewed the internal political atmosphere within the state chapter of the party. The meeting also examined the provisions of the party constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and directives from the national leadership of the APC before arriving at its conclusions.
The statement said that after careful consideration, members of the State Working Committee and local government chairmen agreed that the consensus option should remain the preferred process for selecting candidates, provided that it is achieved through broad consultations, mutual understanding, and the support of critical stakeholders across the state.
Party leaders maintained that the adoption of consensus where possible would help preserve internal cohesion, reduce avoidable tensions, and create a stronger platform for future electoral contests.
The Delta APC further noted that the position was consistent with the experience recorded during the recent party congresses held across the state. According to the party, those congresses were conducted successfully under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the use of consensus arrangements contributed significantly to the peaceful and organized nature of the exercise.
The party leadership said the outcome of those congresses has reinforced confidence in consensus-building as a practical tool for maintaining stability and unity in the party.
As part of resolutions reached at the meeting, the APC said it would formally encourage the use of the consensus option during the forthcoming primaries in line with its constitution and other relevant guidelines governing party elections.
The statement also disclosed that venues designated for stakeholder consultations in the various local government areas would be communicated to local government party chairmen by the relevant organs of the party in due course.
In addition, the categories of leaders and stakeholders expected to participate in the consultation meetings in each local government area will be made known through established party communication channels at the appropriate time.
To ensure smooth implementation of the process, local government chairmen have been directed to begin immediate engagements with influential leaders, stakeholders, and party members in their respective councils. These consultations, the party said, are intended to promote understanding, strengthen relationships, and build the level of unity required for a peaceful primary process.
Observers believe the move signals the party’s intention to avoid rancorous contests that often accompany internal elections, particularly in politically strategic states such as Delta.
The APC said it remains optimistic that if the consensus arrangement is pursued sincerely and transparently, it would help minimize unnecessary disagreements among aspirants and their supporters.
According to the statement, the party leadership believes that good-faith consultations and fair negotiations can provide a platform where members feel represented and respected, thereby reducing the possibility of factional disputes after the primaries.
The party therefore appealed to all aspirants, leaders, and members to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambition and individual considerations.
It urged members to cooperate with party leadership at all levels and to support every lawful and constitutional step being taken to strengthen the APC in Delta State ahead of future political activities.
Political analysts note that consensus arrangements have increasingly become a common feature in party politics across Nigeria, especially where leaders seek to preserve unity and prevent post-primary litigation. However, they also stress that such arrangements must be transparent, inclusive, and voluntary to gain legitimacy among party members.
In Delta State, the APC has continued efforts to consolidate its structures following recent political realignments and growing interest in the party’s affairs. The latest resolution by the State Working Committee is expected to shape preparations for the primaries and determine how various aspirants position themselves in the weeks ahead.
The party concluded by reaffirming its commitment to internal democracy, fairness, and the continued progress of the APC in Delta State.
It added that while consensus remains the preferred option, all processes would be guided by the constitution of the party and applicable electoral laws.
The statement was signed by Valentine Onojeghuo, State Publicity Secretary of the APC in Delta State, on April 28, 2026.
With preparations for the primaries now gathering momentum, attention is expected to shift to consultations in the local government areas, where party stakeholders will attempt to build common ground and agree on acceptable candidates under the consensus model.
How successfully that process is managed may determine not only the strength of the APC in Delta State but also its readiness for future elections in one of Nigeria’s politically important states.
