Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Coalition for Equity (DNCE) have called on the national leadership of the party and Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure the full inclusion of long-standing party members in governance and party affairs.
The call was made on Sunday during a meeting of the coalition held in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where party stakeholders raised concerns over what they described as the continued marginalisation of pioneer and loyal APC members in key decision-making processes and political appointments.
Speaking at the gathering, the Convener of the APC DNCE, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, said sustainable party growth and good governance could only be achieved when those who laboured for the party’s survival were recognised and carried along.
Ikpeazu urged Governor Oborevwori and the national leadership of the APC to promote equity, fairness and inclusiveness, noting that many founding members had remained steadfast despite years of political challenges and frustration.
“We have been in the party for years without defecting and have not benefitted from the party we diligently formed. We do not want those who joined us later to override us. We don’t want to continue to be in bondage,” he said.
He called on the party’s national leadership to establish a clear framework that would prioritise old members in party leadership positions at ward, local government and state levels, stressing that such an approach would foster unity and understanding.
“The coming congress should be devoid of conflict. Governor Oborevwori should also consider old APC members in his government across the state,” Ikpeazu added.
The DNCE convener further argued that it was Delta North’s turn to produce the APC state chairman, noting that Delta South and Delta Central had previously occupied the position.
“Once it is zoned to Delta North, we shall harmonise and present our best candidate. This will help mend fences ahead of 2027,” he said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the coalition, Hon. Kemmer Enina, warned that continued marginalisation of pioneer members could weaken party unity, stressing that exclusion breeds discontent and undermines loyalty.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kenneth Rafua, a leader of the coalition, described inclusion as a right rather than a privilege, adding that experienced party members possessed the institutional memory required to strengthen governance.
Another coalition leader, Ben LionHeart Williams, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions capable of alienating committed members, describing unity as the backbone of political success.
The Publicity Secretary of the coalition, Chief Barr. Williams Agholor, said the group’s demands were not driven by bitterness but by genuine concern for the future of the APC and effective governance in Delta State.
Adding his voice, High Chief Gabriel Ohai, the Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and a pioneer APC member, recalled the sacrifices made by early party members and called for deliberate efforts to reintegrate them into governance structures.
Other members, including Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Ajifo Nwabunma, and Mr. Osafule John, also echoed calls for recognition, fairness and the active participation of old members in government affairs.
The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the government, while urging party leaders to urgently address their concerns in the interest of unity and progress.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to working towards the re-election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
