Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 19/Feb 15:14

Leadership tensions rise in Warri South APC over Urhobo marginalization

Tensions are escalating within the Warri South chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as leaders of the Urhobo bloc expressed strong dissatisfaction over what they described as systematic exclusion from the party’s local government leadership arrangements.In a formal protest letter addressed to the Delta State APC Chairman, the Urhobo leadership alleged marginalization in the ongoing APC congresses. The document was endorsed by key party stakeholders, including Olorogun Bernard Okumagba (Chairman), Chief Benson Obire (Vice Chairman), Hon. Mark Ikpuri, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Chief Isaac Emifoniye, JP, Chief Vincent Okudolor, JP (Secretary), Chief Dr. Westham Adehor, JP, Chief Ann Gagiyovwin, JP, and Chief Peter Agiri, JP.The group accused certain party actors of engineering a leadership structure that deliberately excluded the Urhobo bloc from crucial decision-making, particularly in forming the local government executive committee. They described the process as lacking transparency and consultation, noting it violated internal party democracy and established procedures.According to the Urhobo leaders, their bloc has been pivotal in strengthening the APC’s grassroots presence in Warri South and should not be relegated to the periphery in leadership matters. They warned that continued sidelining could undermine party unity, weaken mobilization efforts at the grassroots, and hurt the party’s electoral prospects.Call for Fair RepresentationThe aggrieved leaders urged the Delta State Government and the APC state chairman to reject any LGA executive list originating from the Warri South Local Government Council Chairman and the local APC chairman. They called for an inclusive and transparent process that ensures equitable representation for all stakeholders within the party.Political analysts say the dispute underscores growing tensions over power-sharing and representation among different blocs in the Warri South APC. They warn that unresolved disputes could deepen internal divisions and threaten cohesion at the grassroots. Efforts by party elders and stakeholders to mediate the crisis are ongoing, but the Urhobo bloc insists on immediate corrective action.Urhobo Bloc Issues WarningThe Urhobo leaders cautioned that if their concerns are ignored, they may be forced to take “appropriate political measures” to safeguard their interests. They added that continued neglect could trigger mass withdrawal of support, coordinated political action, and steps that may significantly affect the party’s operations and electoral performance in the LGA.They urged the APC state leadership to act promptly to avert a full-scale crisis, stressing that the patience of the Urhobo political family “should not be taken for granted.” Observers note that the situation is generating widespread apprehension among political circles in Warri South, with the potential to destabilize the party’s structure in Delta State if left unaddressed.