The Delta Central Senatorial Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Paulinus Akpeki, has come under intense fire from the Ethiope East LGA chapter of the party for what it described as a “gross misinterpretation” of the APC Constitution regarding online membership registration.
In a sharply worded press statement, the Ethiope East APC accused Chief Akpeki of misleading party members by suggesting that group or wholesale online registration of APC members is valid under Article 9 of the party’s constitution.
“This reckless interpretation must be corrected immediately,” the statement declared. “Chief Akpeki’s claim has no constitutional backing and stands in direct violation of the core tenets of our party.”
Citing specific clauses, the Ethiope East APC reminded Akpeki and the public that:
Article 9.1(i) clearly provides for individual membership acquisition—not collective or mass registration.
Article 9.3 mandates that every member must be duly registered at their respective ward.
Article 9.4 requires proper maintenance of membership records at the ward, LGA, and national levels.
The statement categorically rejected any effort to bypass these constitutional procedures under the guise of modernization or digital convenience.
“What is being promoted here is not innovation, it is manipulation. It is an unconstitutional shortcut designed to compromise our internal democracy,” the statement read.
The Ethiope East APC further emphasized that no party leader is above the constitution, and any attempt to institutionalize illegal practices will be vehemently resisted.
“The APC is not a cult of impunity, it is a political party founded on due process, discipline, and democratic values,” the media unit stated.
Party members were urged to remain vigilant and insist on constitutional compliance, especially as preparations for 2027 electoral activities begin to gain momentum.
“The case is not closed until the constitution is followed to the letter,” the Ethiope East APC declared, signaling potential legal or disciplinary actions should the violation persist.
This development is the latest sign of growing internal tensions within the Delta APC, as questions over transparency, membership integrity, and power centralization continue to stir controversy.
Chief Akpeki Breaks Silence on APC Online Registration, Defections
Chief Paulinus Akpeki in response to recent criticisms surrounding the ongoing online registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and concerns over new entrants into the party, particularly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpeki said he had chosen not to engage those he described as “not well informed” about the current happenings within the party.
“I have made up my mind not to join issues with people who are not well informed about the going on as at today,” he stated.
Citing Article 9 of the APC Constitution, Akpeki defended the legitimacy of the online registration, noting that it is permissible as long as it is approved by the National Working Committee (NWC).
“I have also given to you the party position on the present online registration that is currently going on,” he added.
On the issue of defections, Akpeki questioned the fixation on PDP defectors, saying: “Why are we very particular about the defectors from PDP? Many people defected from other parties.”
His remarks come amid ongoing debates within the party over the handling of new memberships and the influx of defectors ahead of upcoming political activities.
