Oshimili North, Delta State—A growing wave of discontent is sweeping through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili North Local Government Area, as concerned party stakeholders have raised alarm over what they describe as rising “rascality” and a breakdown of internal discipline within the party’s local structure.
At the centre of the controversy is an alleged violation of the APC constitution by some officials of the local government executive council who, according to party members, have been convening ward meetings without the knowledge or authorization of the duly elected APC LGA Chairman, Hon. Austin Nnabuife.
Party leaders argue that the APC constitution does not vest authority in the LGA Executive Chairman or the Secretary to preside over, summon or coordinate party meetings—functions they insist are strictly within the jurisdiction of the party chairman and his elected executive committee.
The situation reportedly escalated when the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Austin Ajufo, was accused of calling a Ward 1 meeting hosted at the residence of Prof. Egwunyenga, who is neither the ward chairman nor an authorized convener. Days later, reports emerged that another meeting for Ward 2 had been scheduled at the same residence, allegedly at the directive of the LGA Chairman of Council, Hon. Innocent Esewezie.
These developments have triggered anger among core APC members who insist that the party is “not a banana republic” and must respect laid-down procedures( APC Constitution).
One senior party member, Chief Kizito Ijeh who expressed deep concern said: “I have watched with consternation the free fall of discipline in our party in Oshimili North. How can the party chairman wake up to hear that meetings are being held without his knowledge? This is unacceptable. Every man has his office and should face it.”
Stakeholders warn that the actions of a few individuals are gradually reducing the party’s LGA administration to “a laughing stock,” and risk undermining the leadership authority of Hon. Nnabuife, who remains neither removed, suspended nor incapacitated.
They further emphasized that Oshimili North APC has a clear leadership hierarchy: Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as the “Supreme Leader,” and Hon. Austin Nnabuife as the constitutionally recognized Oshimili North APC Chairman. Any attempt to sidestep these structures, they insist, is a direct affront to party order.
The stakeholders called on Senator Nwaoboshi who is the Supreme leader of Oshimili North Local Government to caution all party officials and ensure strict adherence to the APC constitution, warning that if the current trend continues, members may resort to convening their own ward and LGA meetings without recourse to unauthorized conveners.
The APC Oshimili North Chapter led by their Capacity Chairman , Hon. Austin Nnabuife completely disassociates itself from the aforementioned “Notice of Meeting” and hereby directs all party faithful to disregard it in its entirety. Any stakeholder who attends or promotes this unauthorized gathering does so in defiance of the party’s Constitution and will be deemed to be acting in open rebellion against the legitimate leadership.
Be further advised: those enabling, sponsoring, or participating in this reckless misconduct are hereby placed on notice. The party will not hesitate to invoke disciplinary actions as provided for in our Constitution. Enough of this indiscipline. Enough of this political rascality. The days of impunity within Oshimili North APC are over, APC Chairman warn.
“This rascality must stop,” the statement added. “Hon. Nnabuife must rise to the occasion and discipline any party member who attempts to undermine his office, irrespective of their government position. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”
