Delta APC Confirms Chief Paulinus Akpeki as Acting State Chairman

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has confirmed Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the Acting State Chairman of the party.

The confirmation was made in line with Article 14:2(iii) of the APC Constitution, which outlines the succession process in the absence of the State Chairman.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Delta APC Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, Esq., the party clarified that its State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, is currently on medical vacation and had formally notified the State Working Committee (SWC) through a written communication.

Following a review of the letter and the party’s constitutional provisions, the SWC voted to confirm Chief Paulinus Akpeki as Acting State Chairman.

The statement noted that Barr. Francis Obigbor, the Deputy State Chairman, was present during the SWC deliberations and the submission of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee report to Chief Akpeki.

Onojeghuo addressed concerns raised by some party members regarding the decision, explaining that the APC Constitution stipulates specific conditions for succession at all levels of leadership.

According to him, “The unpretentious and equitable interpretation of Article 14:2(iii) and (iv) shows that the State Vice Chairman from the same senatorial district as the State Chairman automatically becomes the Acting State Chairman in the latter’s absence.”

He further explained that while the Deputy National Chairman acts in the absence of the National Chairman at the national level, the same principle applies at the state level.

In Delta State, since the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, is from Delta Central Senatorial District, only a Vice Chairman from the same senatorial district can act in his place.

This excludes the Deputy State Chairman, Barr. Francis Obigbor, who hails from Delta North Senatorial District.

Onojeghuo emphasized that the confirmation of Chief Akpeki is a mechanism to ensure leadership continuity, regional balance, and political stability within the party.

“This strategic mechanism is designed to maintain leadership continuity and uphold the interests and dynamics of the specific geographical area in the state,” he stated.

The APC spokesperson urged party members to disregard any contrary statements from the Deputy State Chairman, Francis Obigbor, describing such comments as distractions aimed at derailing the party’s focus on fortifying its structure for future elections.

He appealed for unity among party faithful, encouraging them to remain committed to strengthening the APC as a formidable electoral force in Delta State.