The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has begun moves to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen its grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call for unity formed a major part of discussions at the APC Delta North Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Asaba today, where party leaders reviewed preparations for the 2027 polls, reports The PUNCH.
Addressing the stakeholders, the Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, urged party leaders to reach out to aspirants who lost during the party’s primaries and other members who felt excluded from the party.
Onyeme said the APC would need the support of every member to achieve its political objectives in the state.
He urged party leaders to set aside personal differences, reconcile with aggrieved members and give everyone a role in the party’s campaign ahead of the elections.
According to him, the party could not afford internal divisions at a time it was preparing for another major electoral contest.
Onyeme said, “We must work together. Those who contested and did not win should not be abandoned. We must reach out to them and make them understand that there is a place for everybody in the party.”
The deputy governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for efforts towards establishing state police, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving security across the country.
He argued that the Nigeria Police Force, considering the size and population of the country, could not effectively provide adequate security in every community.
Onyeme said, “We need state police because the federal police cannot reach all the nooks and crannies. Today, it is becoming a reality. Who made that possible? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He expressed optimism that state police would enable governments to respond more quickly to security threats while complementing the operations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The meeting also witnessed the endorsement of Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for second terms in office in 2027.
The motion for the endorsement was moved by the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and seconded by Frank Esenwa.
The stakeholders subsequently adopted the motion.
Former Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, also supported the push for state police, describing it as a significant development in the country’s security architecture.
Okowa said the idea had been discussed since 2000, but successive administrations had failed to implement it.
He stressed that state police should complement the Nigeria Police Force rather than replace it.
According to him, allowing states to play a greater role in policing would improve their ability to respond to security challenges within their communities.
The former governor also urged APC leaders to intensify reconciliation efforts and strengthen their engagement with voters ahead of 2027.
He advised party members to move beyond political meetings and engage directly with communities, socio-cultural organisations and other grassroots groups.
Okowa said, “The work ahead is at the grassroots. We must go back to our communities, engage the people and rebuild confidence in the party.”
The Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka, and the Delta North Chairman, Mr Dan Ossai, also appealed to members to remain united and committed to strengthening the party.
The stakeholders’ meeting ended with renewed emphasis on reconciliation, grassroots mobilisation and internal unity as the APC began preparations for the 2027 elections.
