THE Saturday Ward Congress of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has claimed one Mr. Jeremiah Oghoveta.
Oghoveta was confirmed dead by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Aniamaka at Okwagbe Community, Jeremi Ward 3, Federal Ward 10 in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The deceased was allegedly stabbed by one Tete Pippah, who accused him of hijacking electoral materials, which eyewitnesses affirmed, had not even arrived.
Oghoveta, the deceased, was a Ward Chairmanship aspirant said to be loyal to the Chief Great Ogboru/Senator Omo-Agege faction.
Pippah, the alleged murderer, who’s said to be on the run, belonged to a faction said to be opposed to the Ogboru/Omo-Agege faction.
Meanwhile, some members of APC in Uvwie Local Government Area have alleged conspiracy in the appointment of party leaders in the council.
Mr Raymond Akpofure told journalists that the party leadership in Uvwie had imposed candidates on them.
He said that could be very bad for a party that was aiming to claim leadership from the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta in 2019.
“What the leadership of the party is doing in Uvwie is not good, there is a conspiracy, trying to impose a candidate on us.
“APC in Delta need to have a formidable structure so that it can claim leadership from the PDP in the 2019 governorship election.
“The way they are going about it now, well I don’t know yet,” he said.
Another party supporter, Mr Eric Efetobor said it would be more disastrous if the imposed candidates were under-qualified
“Of course, they imposed candidates on us but my worry is that, if those candidates cannot do the job, then it will a disaster for the party,” he said.
APC chairman in Uvwie, who only identified himself as Mr Johnson, said that as of 1:00 p.m, the venue for the Congress was yet to be communicated to them, just as journalists could not locate the venue of the Congress in Warri South Local Government Area.
At Ogor and Orogun Ward 1 and 2 in Ughelli North LGA, there were alleged cases of ballot box snatching during the Congress exercise.
At Ward 5, Ovu in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state, where former labour leader, Chief Frank Kokori holds sway, INEC officials were said to be absent during the exercise.
After waiting in vain for INEC officials, leaders of the Ward, as gathered, conducted the election using Option A4. Out of the three aspirants jostling for the Ward chairmanship, one stepped down.
Out of the remaining two aspirants, one eventually emerged winner while supporters of the loser allegedly protested.
Chief Kokori, who spoke to journalists after the exercise, said the dispute would be laid to rest, saying it was a contest between brothers.
In Abraka, Ethiope East LGA, which is obviously the stronghold of Ogboru/Omo-Agege faction, feelers had it that it appeared there was no Congress that took place as no venue could be located.
The exercise at Sapele Local Government Area, the Congress exercise was adjudged peaceful. The leader of the APC in that area, Chief Cyril Ogodo, who’s also the APC state deputy chairman, while in a chat with journalists, said it was peaceful and most successful.
Meanwhile, leader of APC, Delta State, Chief O’tega Emerhor, during the exercise at Evwreni Ward 8, Ughelli North LGA, said the party had a consensus candidate and it was peaceful.
He said APC was poised to entrench the principle of internal democracy in order to have a stronger party that could take over the state in 2019.
He added that based on the reports he had got concerning the Saturday exercise, things went on smoothly and peacefully, saying his Friday’s call for a peaceful and participatory Congresses was heeded to.
Situation reports on the Congress from Delta North and Burutu axis could not be got as of the time of filing this report.
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