*Omo-Agege Reconciles, Tasks Oborevwori On Inclusivity, Good Governance Ahead 2027
STAKEHOLDERS of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State met on Friday, January 23 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, for a high-level meeting on brainstorm on unity, e-registration, grassroots mobilisation and preparedness ahead of its forthcoming congresses.
In his address, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said leadership derives its legitimacy from the people and must be guided by humility, empathy and service, urging the stakeholders to place collective interest above personal considerations, resist division and avoid unnecessary conflicts, as unity remains the party’s greatest strength.
Oborevwori noted that such meetings provide opportunities to review progress, strengthen structures and prepare for critical political milestones, saying mobilisation, registration and participation would ultimately determine electoral outcomes.
He stressed the need for them to deliver massive votes for President Bola Tinubu and all other elective positions in the 2027 elections, adding that the number of votes they are able to deliver will determine their strength and what they are able to attract at the federal level.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), urged members to remain focused ahead of the party’s congresses, even as he commended the progress so far recorded in the e-registration exercise.
Keyamo warned against rumours and delays, urging early engagement and consensus-building at the local level and dialogue to reduce tension.
Immediate past deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege, lauded Oborevwori for convening the meeting, describing his visit to Government House after many years as a gesture of inclusiveness.
Omo-Agege pledged to work in unity with Oborevwori and other stakeholders to strengthen the party.
He charged the governor to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise good governance as key strategies for consolidating the gains of the party in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Omo-Agege made the call on Friday while delivering remarks at the Delta State APC stakeholders’ meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, stressing that unity, inclusivity, and people-oriented governance were critical to securing a “resounding victory” for the party in future elections.
The event, which was Omo-Agege’s first attendance at a state APC stakeholders’ meeting since Oborevwori defected to the APC, and also his first visit to the Government House in almost 19 years, solidifies the party’s efforts at reconciliation.
The governorship candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections harped on the need to carry along his supporters who mobilised for the party in the elections, told Oborevwori: “As the leader of the party in the state, Mr. Governor’s leadership is critical to the collective progress of the party and good governance in the State
“As a firm believer in service to our people, I am ready to work with the governor and other leaders to ensure this party thrives and delivers bold and sustainable benefits to our people.”
He reminded stakeholders of his state-wide extensive political following, recalling that over 240,000 Deltans voted for him in the election, a support base he said was vital to the APC’s future electoral fortunes.
“It is indisputable that as the immediate past governorship candidate of this party, I am privileged to have a huge organic political following in our state.
“I have no doubt that our governor, as the party’s leader in the state, will take the initiative to ensure the inclusivity of my hundreds of thousands of faithful, diehard grassroots supporters in the party who made this possible and remain ready to mobilise for APC.
“Such inclusivity would undoubtedly help our party secure resounding victories in future elections at both state and federal levels.”
Omo-Agege commended Oborevwori for personally inviting him to the meeting, describing the engagement as timely and pivotal for the party’s future, adding: “I appreciate this opportunity to be here today with our leaders and friends at this pivotal moment, as we chart a new course for our great party.”
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, which he said has grown into a formidable platform in the state.
The former lawmaker pledged his continued commitment to its growth, stating: “Without question, we have built the APC as a formidable political platform in Delta State, and we remain wholly committed to its continued success.
“As a faithful party man, I will keep contributing to our collective growth and development.”
Omo-Agege said his guiding principle remained service to the people, pledging cooperation with the governor to deliver tangible dividends of democracy, noting: “By God’s grace, I will work with everyone to lift up Delta State.”
He also reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring Oborevwori of his readiness to collaborate in strengthening the party and improving governance in the state.
Immediate past governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, commended stakeholders for their unity and sustained engagement, calling for intensified grassroots mobilisation to deepen e-registration by taking the exercise to homes and communities.
Okowa harped on inclusiveness and consensus in the conduct of congresses, praising Oborevwori’s role in fostering harmony, just as he urged leaders to return to their constituencies with renewed commitment.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, commended Oborevwori’s leadership and the digitalisation of the party’s membership register, just as he recommended a consensus approach for the forthcoming congresses.
In his welcome remarks, state Chairman of the party, Omeni Sobotie, said APC had recorded over 90 per cent realignment since April last year, describing the gathering as evidence of growing unity and momentum.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of late Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who represented Delta North at the National Assembly.
