The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agbarha Ward, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, has suspended a chieftain of the party, Chief Christopher Ominimini Obiuwevbi, alongside several others over alleged misconduct and anti-party activities.
Also affected by the disciplinary action are Chief David Ohwoekevwo, Morrison Arouture and other members accused of actions deemed inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
The decision was reached at an emergency meeting of the Agbarha Ward Executive Committee held on Monday at the party secretariat in Agbarha-Otor.
In a notice addressed to the APC leadership in Ughelli North, the ward executive said the affected members were suspended in line with Article 21(2) (i), (ii), (iv) and (vi) of the party’s constitution.
“The underlisted members are hereby suspended from the party at the Ward level,” the statement read.
Obiuwevbi, who is an aspirant for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, was specifically accused of running a parallel party structure.
The ward leadership said such actions were capable of creating division and rancour among party members.
The resolution was endorsed by the Ward Chairman, Obus Sylvester Emoefe; Vice Chairman, Ejovwoke Omamose; Secretary, Christopher Imoniunu; and 19 other members of the executive.
The ward cited “gross misconduct and insubordination” as well as acts prejudicial to party unity as reasons for the suspension.
It added that the decision takes immediate effect, stressing its commitment to discipline and adherence to party structures at the grassroots level.
The ward also called on the Ughelli North Local Government Executive Committee of the party to ratify the suspension.
“We hereby call on the Local Government Executive Committee of our great party to ratify this resolution accordingly,” it stated.
However, Obiuwevbi rejected the suspension, alleging that it was orchestrated by individuals he described as “Atiku boys” who recently defected to the APC.
“They feel they can take control and undermine the party we built,” he said.
He questioned what he described as the marginalisation of longstanding members who contributed to the party’s success in the 2023 general elections.
“What about those of us who have been in the party and delivered victories for the APC in the 2023 elections?” he asked.
Obiuwevbi further claimed that the crisis was triggered by his group’s refusal to align with the new faction.
“They do not want to work together with us. Because we refused to be under them, they suspended our leaders,” he said.
He disclosed that his camp was also considering disciplinary action, stating that the development had effectively split the party structure in the ward and local government.
“As it stands now, there are effectively two factions of the APC in the ward and local government,” he added.
Party stakeholders, however, said such disciplinary measures are part of internal mechanisms aimed at maintaining order, unity and respect for the party’s constitution.
