The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded an immediate retraction and apology from The Guardian newspaper over a report alleging violence at the party's Delta Central stakeholders' meeting, describing the publication as false, malicious and defamatory.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the party rejected the newspaper's report titled "Violence Rocks Delta APC Leaders' Meeting", insisting that the stakeholders' meeting held on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, was peaceful and concluded without any disruption.
The APC maintained that the meeting was well attended by party leaders and stakeholders and was broadcast live by Arise Television and TVC News, arguing that the proceedings were open to public scrutiny and could easily be verified.
According to the party, the newspaper's account of violence, panic and disorder was a "reckless, false and sensational distortion" of what transpired at the event.
The party further contended that the video reportedly relied upon by The Guardian did not originate from the conference hall where the meeting took place but from another location within the expansive PTI complex.
"It is misleading and irresponsible to associate those unrelated scenes with the APC stakeholders' meeting," the statement said, adding that such reporting fell short of the ethical standards expected of a reputable media organisation.
The APC also dismissed claims in the report suggesting the existence of rival factions and leadership disputes within the Delta State chapter of the party.
It said the party had successfully conducted its congresses in line with its constitution and guidelines approved by the National Working Committee, producing what it described as the only recognised State Executive Committee led by Chief Solomon Arenyeka.
The party further accused the newspaper of failing to carry out basic fact-checking, pointing to what it described as an error in identifying Sylvester Imonina as the APC's state publicity secretary.
According to the APC, Imonina left the office in 2023, while Onojeghuo is the duly recognised spokesperson of the party in the state.
"It calls into serious question every other claim contained in the publication," the statement added.
While reaffirming its commitment to press freedom, the APC stressed that journalism must remain anchored on accuracy, fairness and proper verification rather than sensationalism and speculation.
The party demanded that The Guardian retract the publication and tender an unreserved apology to the APC and its members within seven days.
It warned that failure to comply would leave it with no option but to pursue legal action to protect its reputation.
The APC said it remained focused on strengthening party cohesion and supporting the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as well as the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting it would not be distracted by what it described as fabricated reports aimed at creating discord within the party.
