The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North Senatorial District, Nigeria, has taken decisive action to address internal dissent and reinforce party discipline by dissolving the Forums of Delta North APC Local Government Area Chairmen and Ward Chairmen. This move comes in the wake of a controversial endorsement of Senator Ned Nwoko for a second term, which was met with resistance from certain factions within the party. The dissolution, announced by the senatorial chairman, Chief Adizue Eluaka, aims to restore order and ensure adherence to the party’s constitution, signaling a firm stance against unauthorized gatherings and pronouncements.
The controversy began with a seemingly unified show of support for Senator Nwoko, President Bola Tinubu, and Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at a stakeholders’ meeting. However, this apparent consensus quickly fractured as some local government area chairmen distanced themselves from the endorsement, questioning its legitimacy. This dissent exposed underlying tensions within the party and prompted the senatorial leadership to intervene. Chief Eluaka characterized the dissenting forum as an “unauthorised and unconstitutional body,” whose actions did not represent the collective will of the APC in Delta North. He accused the dissenting members of being “disgruntled, sponsored individuals” seeking to sow disunity within the party ranks.
The APC’s decision to dissolve the forums underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining a structured and hierarchical organization. By dismantling these unauthorized collective bodies, the party leadership aims to prevent further fragmentation and ensure that decisions are made through established channels. This action also serves as a clear warning to other potential dissidents that unauthorized gatherings and pronouncements will not be tolerated. The APC’s focus on constitutional adherence highlights the importance of maintaining internal discipline and unity, especially in the lead-up to future elections.
Chief Eluaka’s statement emphasized the APC’s vision as a “window of opportunity for growth,” implicitly contrasting this positive outlook with the allegedly self-serving motives of the dissenting members. By framing the dissenters’ actions as disruptive and detrimental to the party’s overall goals, the senatorial chairman sought to delegitimize their claims and rally support for the party’s official stance. This rhetoric underscores the party’s determination to project an image of unity and progress, even amidst internal disagreements.
Moving forward, the APC in Delta North will engage with local government and ward chairmen on an individual basis, effectively bypassing the dissolved forums. This approach aims to streamline communication and ensure that party directives are disseminated directly to the relevant stakeholders. By eliminating the intermediary layer of the forums, the party leadership can maintain greater control over the flow of information and minimize the risk of misinterpretation or deliberate distortion of party policies. This reorganization also serves to reinforce the authority of the established party structure and discourage the formation of alternative power centers.
The dissolution of the forums and the subsequent shift to individual engagement mark a significant restructuring of the APC in Delta North. This restructuring is intended to strengthen party cohesion, prevent further factionalism, and streamline communication between the leadership and the grassroots. By taking decisive action against dissenting voices, the APC aims to project an image of unity and resolve as it navigates the complex political landscape of Delta State. The party’s emphasis on constitutional adherence and individual accountability underscores its commitment to maintaining internal discipline and ensuring that all members operate within the established framework. This firm stance is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future dynamics of the APC in Delta North, particularly in the context of upcoming elections and political maneuvering.
