Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken a new twist as the state High Court sitting in Asaba has restrained the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party from recognising one of the chairmen, Mr. Cyril Ogodo who emerged in one of the parallel state congresses.
While Ogodo defeated Mr. Fred Obe with 731 to 99 votes at the state congress conducted on May 21 by the Eugene Odo-led committee from the national secretariat of the party, Mr. Jones Erue who was the incumbent state chairman retained his position in an earlier congress conducted on May 19.
But apparently not satisfied with the conduct of the May 21 congress, Mr. Obe approached the court seeking an order of interim injunction restraining Cyril Ogodo from parading or projecting himself to be recognized by party as its chairman-elect in the state.
Obe also prayed the court to restrain the national chairman, John Oyegun and Senator Osita Izunaso (for themselves and on behalf of the NWC of APC) from forwarding the name of Ogodo to the National Convention Committee of the party or dealing with him “or any other person whosoever (except the claimant) in any manner whatsoever” as the chairman-elect of the party in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.
Presiding Judge of the court, Justice D. C Maidoh held that the application in the suit number A/91/2018 had merit, and granted the prayer of the claimant.
Reacting to the development, a stalwart of the party in the state, Mr. Michael Emumena noted that Obe, who expended “a lot of time, energy and resources to reach the real grassroots people of APC in Delta State and who was widely endorsed across the 25 local government areas and who was/is undeniably the most acceptable candidate for the Delta State APC chairmanship, was not defeated in a free and fair contest but was undermined by godfathers, who appear unconcerned about the growth of the party and competent leadership in the state.
“The godfathers, who worked unfairly to undermine Chief Fred Obe, appear more concerned with a political party that can be solely and selfishly controlled for their personal political gains.
“We wish to reiterate our total commitment and determination to wrestle the soul of Delta State APC from the hands of the godfathers, who are fighting a destructive and divisive winners-take-all battle for the soul of the party in Delta State and return the party to the ordinary party men and women as it ought to be in a sane democracy.”