By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has intensified efforts to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen its grassroots structure as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections.
The call for unity and reconciliation dominated discussions at the APC Delta North Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Asaba on Friday, where party leaders reviewed strategies aimed at consolidating the party’s position ahead of the next electoral cycle.
A major highlight of the meeting was the unanimous endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s sole presidential candidate and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole governorship candidate for the 2027 elections.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by Hon. Frank Esenwa before being adopted by stakeholders.
Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, used the occasion to advocate for the establishment of state police, describing it as a critical component of Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.
Okowa noted that discussions on state policing had been ongoing since 2000 but had yet to be fully implemented by successive administrations. He emphasized that state police should operate as a complementary institution to the Nigeria Police Force rather than a replacement.
According to him, granting states a greater role in policing would improve their capacity to respond effectively to local security challenges and enhance public safety.
The former governor also urged APC leaders and members to deepen reconciliation efforts and strengthen engagement with grassroots communities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The work ahead is at the grassroots. We must go back to our communities, engage the people and carry them along, Okowa said, stressing the importance of direct interaction with community groups, socio-cultural organizations and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, called on party leaders to reach out to aspirants who lost during party primaries and members who may feel marginalized within the party structure.
Onyeme stressed that the APC would require the support and cooperation of all members to achieve its political objectives, urging leaders to set aside personal differences and create opportunities for everyone to contribute to the party’s success.
We must work together. Those who contested and did not win should not be abandoned. We must reach out to them and make them understand that there is a place for everybody in the party, he said.
The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the progress of the APC in Delta North, evaluate its current political standing and deliberate on strategies for expanding grassroots support across the senatorial district.
Another major attraction at the event was the presence of Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, National Coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), who joined other party leaders in reaffirming their commitment to the APC and its leadership.
Speaking to party faithful, Olejeme emphasized the importance of unity, loyalty and sustained grassroots mobilization, describing them as essential ingredients for the party’s continued growth and electoral success.
She assured members of her unwavering commitment to supporting the APC and working towards ensuring decisive victories for the party at all levels in the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka, and Delta North APC Chairman, Mr. Dan Ossai, appealed to members to remain united, focused and committed to strengthening the party’s structures across the state.
The stakeholders’ meeting ended with a renewed commitment to reconciliation, grassroots mobilization and internal cohesion, as the APC positions itself for the challenges and opportunities of the 2027 general elections.
