Delta APC Coalition Faults Conduct of Party Primaries, Demands Investigation

The Delta State APC Coalition for Equity has strongly criticised the conduct of the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in the state, describing the exercise as chaotic, poorly organised and lacking credibility.
In a statement jointly signed by the coalition’s Convener, Barr. Alex Ikpeazu; Chairman, Amb. Felix Datuowei; and Secretary-General, Kenchad Rafua, the group expressed disappointment over what it called widespread irregularities, administrative failures and disregard for established party guidelines during the primaries.
The coalition stated that the exercise, which should have reflected transparency, fairness and democratic principles, was instead characterised by confusion, impunity and poor coordination across the state.
According to the group, the development exposed what it described as the inability of the current APC leadership in Delta State to provide inclusive and responsible leadership capable of strengthening internal democracy within the party.
The coalition also raised concerns over the increasing influence of recent defectors within the party, alleging that individuals who recently joined the APC were being handed strategic positions despite having spent only a short period within the party.
It argued that the situation had demoralised long-standing party members who had contributed to building and sustaining the APC over the years.
The statement further alleged that some of the new entrants had imported into the APC “a culture of political intolerance, impunity and brigandage” previously associated with their former political platforms, thereby deepening divisions and encouraging imposition within the party structure.
The coalition also accused the state leadership of undermining party discipline and disregarding the authority of the APC national leadership, stressing that no political party could thrive where due process and constitutional order were ignored.
Citing reports from party members and observers across Delta State, the group maintained that the primaries were poorly supervised and lacked transparency and credibility.
The coalition specifically referenced an incident involving Hon. Ngozi Okolie, representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, who reportedly alleged in a viral video that a primary election scheduled for 11:00 a.m. had already been concluded by 8:30 a.m., before his arrival at the venue around 10:50 a.m.
According to the statement, similar complaints were allegedly recorded in several federal constituencies across the state, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy of the exercise.
The coalition maintained that democracy could not flourish where electoral outcomes appeared predetermined and stakeholders were denied the opportunity to participate freely in a credible process.
It therefore called on the APC national leadership to urgently investigate the alleged irregularities and take necessary steps to restore confidence, unity and integrity within the party in Delta State.
The group further vowed to continue ongoing legal action initiated by members allegedly excluded from participation in the party congress despite paying for nomination forms which, according to the coalition, were never issued to them.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic ideals, the coalition said it remained determined to reposition the APC in Delta State on the principles of justice, fairness, unity and internal democracy.
“ The future and credibility of the APC in Delta State depend on the collective resolve to uphold fairness, restore trust and defend democratic ideals,” the statement added.