Pioneer members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta before the defection of Peoples Democratic party to the party in April last year have cried out over non inclusivity in governance and party affairs in the state.

Delta North Coalition for Equity, (DNCE) which made the call at the weekend appealed to the National Chairman of the party Prof Nentawe Yilwatda and Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that long-standing members of the party are fully integrated into the affairs of government.

The appeal came barely two weeks when the former deputy senate president and APC gubernatorial candidate in 2023 election, Senator Ovie Omo Agege at the state stakeholders meeting in Asaba called for inclusion of his supporters in governance in order to secure resounding victories in future elections at both state and federal levels.

At the meeting of the coalition held in Agbor, Ika South local government area of the state on Sunday, stakeholders expressed concern over what they described as the continued exclusion of pioneer and loyal members of the APC from key decision-making processes and appointments.

Speaking at the gathering, the Convener of the group, Chief Alex Ikpeazu, stressed that sustainable party growth and good governance can only be achieved when those who laboured for the party’s survival are recognised and carried along.

He urged Governor Oborevwori and the national leadership of the APC to promote equity, fairness and inclusiveness, noting that many founding members have remained steadfast despite political challenges and frustration.

“We have been in the party for years without defecting, have not benefitted from the party we diligently formed. We do not want those who joined us to override us. We don’t want to continue to be in bondage.

“The National leaders of the arty should come up with clear framework. They should consider the old APC members as Chairmen of wards, local government, states as that will bring understanding and togetherness. The coming congress should be devoid of conflict.

“Governor Oborevwori should consider the old members of APC in his government across the state. It is the turn of Delta north to produce the Chairman as the Delta south and central have produced. Once it is zoned here we shall harmonize and present our best candidate. This will mend fences before 2027,” lkpeazu stated.

The Secretary of the coalition, Hon. Kemmer Enina, said marginalising old members could weaken party unity, warning that exclusion breeds discontent and undermines loyalty.

On his part, Amb. Kenneth Rafua, a leader of the coalition, emphasized that inclusion is not a privilege but a right, adding that experienced party members possess the institutional memory needed to strengthen governance.

Another coalition leader, Ben LionHeart Williams, appealed to party leaders to avoid actions that could alienate committed members, describing unity as the backbone of political success.

The Publicity Secretary of the coalition, Chief Barr Williams Agholor, said the group’s position was not borne out of bitterness but out of genuine concern for the future of the party and effective governance in Delta State.

Also speaking, High Chief Gabriel Ohai, Odogwu of Ogwashi-uku Kingdom, a Pioneer member of the APC, recalled the sacrifices made by early members of the party and called for deliberate efforts to reintegrate them into governance structures.

Other members who lent their voices to the call include Com. Victor Sorokwu, Ajifo Nwabunma, and Mr. Osafule John, all of whom echoed the need for recognition, fairness, and active participation of old members in government affairs.

The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and pledged continued support for the government, while urging party leaders to address their concerns in the interest of unity and progress.

The coalition reaffirmed their commitment to working towards the re-election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu come 2027. (TRIBUNE)