By Victor Lewis
The Delta State chapter of the Al but 1 Progressives Congress (APC) has wielded the big stick on two of its local government chairmen over what it described as “unauthorised, reckless and divisive” statements capable of undermining the unity and cohesion of the party.
Rising from its meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the party’s Secretariat in Asaba, the State Working Committee (SWC), led by the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, resolved to reprimand Mr. Norbert Suchukwudinma, Chairman of APC in Aniocha South Local Government Area, and Mr. Kerry Ekene, Chairman of APC in Ika North East Local Government Area, for making public pronouncements without clearance from the state leadership.
The SWC position released by the State Publicity of the party noted that the statements credited to Suchukwudinma, “denigrated elected representatives from Delta State, especially casting aspersions on Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.”
According to the resolution, “only the Office of the State Publicity Secretary is authorised to speak on behalf of the APC in Delta State,” stressing that any official who usurps such power does so in violation of party rules.
While reprimanding both chairmen, the SWC warned them and all other ward and local government officials that further unauthorized and reckless statements would attract severe sanctions, including suspension from office.
In the same breath, the SWC nullified all suspensions earlier pronounced by ward or local government executives of the party, declaring them of no effect. It also announced plans to constitute an independent disciplinary committee to handle future violations of the party’s constitution.
The party urged members across the state to remain loyal and steadfast to the leadership, pledging continued commitment to building a united and disciplined APC under the Renewed Hope For M.O.R.E Agenda of His Excellency Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
The SWC’s Resolution reads thus:
“That the SWC considered the grave implications of the recent statements credited to Mr. Norbert Suchukwudinma, the Chairman of the Party in Aniocha South Local Government Area, which was made during his appearance on TVC Television and widely circulated in the media and public domain, portends for the unity of the Party.
“That the SWC strongly condemns and disassociates the Party from the said utterances, which were made without the consent, authorisation, or knowledge of the Delta State APC leadership.
“That the SWC notes with displeasure that the said statements denigrated individuals currently representing Delta State at the National and State levels, particularly casting unwarranted aspersions on the person of Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District.
“That the SWC reaffirms that, in accordance with the provisions of the APC Constitution, only the Office of the State Publicity Secretary is authorised to speak on behalf of the Party in Delta State, and that no other official is permitted to assume such powers.
“That the SWC hereby issues a firm reprimand to Mr. Norbert Suchukwudinma for his reckless, irresponsible and divisive utterances, which amounted to a blatant overreach of his local mandate as the chairman of the Party in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
“That the SWC also considered the separate unauthorised statements recently made by Mr. Kerry Ekene, Chairman of the APC in Ika North East Local Government Area, in a media appearance, and hereby issues a strong reprimand to him for making such pronouncements without the consent, authorisation or knowledge of the Delta State APC leadership. The SWC views his action as a violation of the Party’s constitutional provisions, and an unwarranted overreach of his local mandate as the chairman of the Party in Ika North East Local Government Area.
“That the SWC further warns Mr. Norbert Suchukwudinma, Mr. Kerry Ekene, and all Party officials at the Ward and Local Government levels that any further recurrence of such unauthorised and unsanctioned pronouncements shall attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including, but not limited to, suspension from office and other punitive measures as provided for in the Constitution of the Party.
“That in furtherance of the SWC’s determined efforts to build a more united and cohesive Party, every suspension earlier pronounced by any Local Government Area or Ward Executive Committee of the Party is hereby immediately set aside and declared of no effect whatsoever.
“That in view of the SWC’s determination to enforce discipline and strict adherence to the directives of the Party, an independent Disciplinary Committee shall be constituted to handle any act of violation of the provisions of the Party’s Constitution as the occasion arises.
“Finally, the SWC calls on all members to remain loyal and steadfast in support of the leadership of the Party in the person of His Excellency Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, as we continue to work towards the unity and progress of our great Party under the “Renewed Hope For M.O.R.E. Agenda.”
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