Warri South APC Crisis Implodes as Urhobo Leaders Reject Chairmanship Imposition
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
A major political crisis is unfolding within the Warri South chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as leaders of the Urhobo bloc have openly rejected what they described as the imposition of a Local Government Party Chairman, warning that a major APC leadership crisis is about to erupt if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
The development has heightened tensions within the party in Warri South, raising serious concerns among stakeholders about internal cohesion and the future political stability of the party in Delta State.
The protest followed a formal petition dated February 17, 2026, submitted by the Warri Urhobo APC Leadership Council to the Delta State APC Chairman, alleging irregularities in the ongoing Warri South congress consultation process and accusing party leaders of sidelining the Urhobo bloc.
The position of the Urhobo bloc was endorsed by prominent 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, Chief Peter Agiri, JP, and several other concerned stakeholders, who jointly condemned what they described as the imposition of party leadership without due consultation.
Allegations of Manipulation and Marginalization
In their petition, the Urhobo leaders expressed concerns over what they described as a flawed and manipulated congress process characterized by undue interference, intimidation, and violation of party guidelines.
They alleged that a meeting convened on February 14, 2026, to deliberate on ward and local government congresses was presided over by the Local Government Council Chairman instead of the party chairman, contrary to party procedures. According to them, the meeting ended without resolution, yet a subsequent announcement was allegedly made unilaterally declaring a new party chairman without consensus.
The leaders further alleged that meetings were moved to unofficial venues, attendance was allegedly subject to approval by the Council Chairman, and a candidate was announced without a properly constituted consultative process.
They noted that Warri South is a multi-ethnic local government comprising two major political blocs—Urhobo and Itsekiri—and lamented that since 1998, the Itsekiri bloc has consistently produced both the Local Government Council Chairman and the Party Chairman to the exclusion of the Urhobo bloc.
According to the petitioners, their earlier letter dated January 27, 2026, seeking the party chairmanship position in the spirit of fairness and inclusiveness was ignored.
They insisted that at no time did Urhobo APC leaders concede the chairmanship position or agree to any consensus candidate, stressing that the process undermines internal democracy and inclusive participation.
OUR DEMAND TO STATE PARTY LEADERSHIP:
The Warri Urhobo APC Leadership urged the Delta State Government and the State Party Chairman to disregard any LGA executive list emanating from the Warri South Local Government Council Chairman and the Warri South APC Chairman, insisting that such outcomes did not emerge from a lawful and consensual process.
They further demanded:
Immediate rejection of any party executive list produced through what they described as an irregular consultation process.
The convening of a genuine and properly constituted Warri South APC leadership meeting involving all stakeholders.
A transparent and inclusive process that reflects justice, equity, fairness, peace, and peaceful coexistence among all political blocs.
Concerns Over Party Unity
Political observers say the dispute reflects deeper concerns over power-sharing arrangements and representation within the local government chapter of the party. Analysts warn that unresolved internal disputes could weaken party structures and create divisions ahead of future electoral contests.
Stakeholders and community leaders have urged party leaders to pursue dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further escalation of the crisis and preserve the party’s political strength in Warri South.
Strong Warning From Urhobo Leaders
The Urhobo bloc warned that failure by the state party leadership to address their grievances could trigger serious political consequences within the party.
They cautioned that continued disregard of their demands may compel them to withdraw cooperation from party structures, resist any imposed leadership arrangement, and adopt all lawful political measures to defend their collective interests.
The leaders stressed that the patience of the Urhobo political family should not be taken for granted, warning that ignoring their concerns could result in a full-scale leadership confrontation capable of destabilizing the APC’s structure in Warri South.
As at the time of filing this report, the state leadership of the APC had yet to issue an official response to the petition, though sources indicated that consultations were ongoing to forestall the looming crisis.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 19TH 2026)
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