Crisis Brews in Delta APC Over Tinubu Solidarity Rally

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is once again embroiled in internal conflict as tensions rise over a planned solidarity walk in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally, spearheaded by grassroots supporters under the leadership of Chief Emmanuel Adigwe, was intended as a show of unity and political momentum for President Tinubu. However, the state party leadership has distanced itself from the initiative, calling it unauthorized and threatening disciplinary action against its organizers.

In a statement dated August 4, 2025, and signed by APC State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo, the party described the planned rally as “unauthorized and unsanctioned,” warning that any further actions would attract “strict party sanctions.”

“No individual or group has the right to organize or brand any activity as an official APC event without express approval from the party leadership,” the statement read. “Any deviation will be interpreted as defiance and met with swift consequences.”

The move has sparked outrage among some party members, who have accused the state chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, of sabotaging the president’s support base in Delta State.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers, party chieftain Chuks Erhire alleged that Sobotie’s actions were a “calculated attempt to undermine Tinubu’s growing popularity” and claimed the chairman was covertly working with interests aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led nationally by Atiku Abubakar.

“Sobotie is a mole,” Erhire stated. “He has done nothing to build the APC in Delta, yet he wants to stop genuine supporters from showing solidarity with our President. We will not be intimidated.”

Erhire called on the APC National Working Committee to investigate Sobotie’s alleged divisive conduct, claiming it was damaging to the party’s unity and electoral prospects in the state.

Despite the state leadership’s opposition, the rally organizers remain defiant, vowing to proceed with the solidarity walk as planned.

“The walk will hold, whether the devil likes it or not,” Erhire declared. “We cannot allow ADC-style sabotage to cripple our efforts to reposition the APC in Delta.”

This latest episode underscores the lingering factionalism within the Delta APC, raising concerns about its ability to maintain cohesion as the 2027 election season approaches.