Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta North Coalition for Equity (DNCE) have appealed to the National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, and Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to ensure the full inclusion of long-standing party members in governance and party affairs.
The call was made on Sunday during a meeting of the coalition in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, where stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as the continued marginalisation of pioneer and loyal APC members from key decision-making processes and appointments.
Speaking at the gathering, the Convener of the APC DNCE, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, said sustainable party growth and effective governance could only be achieved when those who laboured for the party’s survival were recognised and carried along.
He urged Governor Oborevwori and the national leadership of the APC to uphold the principles of equity, fairness and inclusiveness, noting that many founding members had remained steadfast despite years of political challenges and frustration.
“We have been in the party for years without defecting, yet we have not benefitted from the party we diligently formed. We do not want those who joined later to override us. We do not want to continue to be in bondage,” Ikpeazu said.
He called on the national leadership to establish a clear framework that recognises old members, suggesting that pioneer APC members should be considered for leadership positions at ward, local government and state levels to promote unity and understanding.
“The coming congress should be devoid of conflict. Governor Oborevwori should also consider old APC members in his government across the state. It is the turn of Delta North to produce the party chairman, as Delta South and Delta Central have already done. Once it is zoned here, we will harmonise and present our best candidate. This will help mend fences ahead of 2027,” he added.
The Secretary of the coalition, Hon. Kemmer Enina, warned that continued marginalisation of old members could weaken party unity, stressing that exclusion breeds discontent and undermines loyalty.
Similarly, a coalition leader, Amb. Kenneth Rafua, described inclusion as a right rather than a privilege, noting that experienced party members possess the institutional memory needed to strengthen both the party and governance.
Another leader of the group, Ben LionHeart Williams, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions capable of alienating committed members, describing unity as the backbone of political success.
The coalition’s Publicity Secretary, Chief Barr. Williams Agholor, said the group’s position was not driven by bitterness but by genuine concern for the future of the APC and effective governance in Delta State.
Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Ohai, Odogwu of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and a pioneer member of the APC, recalled the sacrifices made by early members of the party and called for deliberate efforts to reintegrate them into governance structures.
Other members, including Comrade Victor Sorokwu, Ajifo Nwabunma and Mr. Osafule John, also echoed calls for recognition, fairness and the active participation of old members in government affairs.
The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the government, while urging party leaders to address their concerns in the interest of unity, cohesion and progress. It also restated its commitment to working towards the re-election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu in 2027.