…party fractures deepen amid leadership dispute, Dafinone’s loyalty questioned
The Delta Central chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was thrown into disarray on Sunday as a controversial vote of confidence on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone failed dramatically, exposing sharp divisions and intensifying internal power struggles.
A Meeting Meant for Reconciliation Turns Explosive
The meeting, convened by Senator Ede Dafinone following widespread criticism of his recent visit to former PDP Chairman Kingsley Esiso’s residence and a stinging rebuke from political activist Fejiro Oliver, was meant to calm nerves and solidify party unity. Instead, it devolved into chaos.
Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, opened the gathering by defending the recent defections from the PDP and emphasizing that local party leaders, including those from Sapele and Udu, had taken proper steps to align with new power dynamics.
He pointedly urged members to accept Governor Oborevwori as the new leader of the party, citing directives from the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and the Presidency.
Dafinone Defends His Actions, Denies Rift with Omo-Agege
Senator Dafinone used the platform to deliver what he called “the truth and nothing but the truth,” listing perceived grievances from DSP Ovie Omo-Agege’s camp: his alleged lack of support during the last elections, supposed sabotage in Abuja, and his backing of the controversial College of Leaders.
He insisted these claims were false and reiterated his commitment to party unity, despite ongoing attacks from Omo-Agege’s loyalists.
He also declared his political intentions for 2027, vowing to continue contesting and claiming that he would collaborate with anyone, including Esiso, if it meant bringing development to Delta Central.
Vote of Confidence on Oborevwori Sparks Uproar
The tension reached its peak when Williams Deniran moved a motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Oborevwori.
Though seconded by Valentine Onojeghuo, the motion was met with immediate and vocal opposition from key stakeholders, including Obakpororo Onobedje, Ambrose Oyovwe, and Man United Okeh.
When the motion was put to a vote, the results laid bare a deeply fractured party:
Supporters (6 votes):
Sen. Ede Dafinone
Chief Paulinus Akpeki
Williams Deniran
Valentine Onojeghuo
Chief Ubu Diagbame
Mudiaga Okorefe
Opponents (12 votes):
M.K. Okpako (Asst. Legal Adviser)
Famous Oyibo (Central Youth Leader)
Loveth Omeru (Central Woman Leader)
Obakpororo Onobedje (Ughelli North Chairman)
Eric Afe Okpe (Chairman)
Isaiah Kekeje (Ughelli South Chairman)
Efe Anughoro (Ethiope West Chairman)
Chief Julius Ogboru (Ethiope East Chairman)
Okeh A. Man United (Okpe LGA Secretary)
Sir Ambrose Oyovwe (Ughelli South Secretary)
Tobore Ovumedia (Ethiope East Secretary)
Gabriel Kpeku (Udu Secretary)
Neutral or Absent Members:
Some members, including Mr. Wilfred Ileleji (Uvwie Chairman), abstained from voting, while several others were absent entirely, further highlighting internal disconnection.
Meeting Descends Into Chaos
Despite efforts by Dafinone to suspend the motion due to rising tension, Chief Ubu insisted on pushing it through, only for it to be decisively rejected again.
What followed was a shouting match that brought the meeting to a standstill.
Backlash and Image Damage
Insiders now say that Dafinone’s camp is desperately trying to salvage his image, allegedly employing unqualified media aides and writers to control the narrative. Critics argue that the damage is already done.
“This is not just a crack in the wall, it’s a full-blown collapse of internal cohesion,” said one APC stakeholder who asked not to be named.
What’s Next for Delta APC?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the vote of confidence has not only failed, it has laid bare the profound distrust and rivalry within the Delta Central APC.
With 2027 political ambitions already stirring, and the party still grappling with the fallout from recent defections, unity seems more distant than ever.
The struggle for dominance in Delta APC is far from over, and Sunday’s meeting may be remembered as the day the house began to fall apart from within.
