Delta APC rejects claims of violence at meeting

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has denied reports of violence at its recent Delta Central stakeholders’ meeting in Effurun. The party insists that the gathering was peaceful and orderly.

The APC also gave a seven-day ultimatum to a national newspaper to take back the report and issue an apology. They described the publication as false, malicious and defamatory.

In a statement on Tuesday from the state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC rejected claims that the meeting on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute Conference Centre in Effurun was disrupted by violence.

The party said that the meeting had many party leaders and stakeholders present and that it was broadcast live on Arise Television and TVC News.

“The event concluded smoothly without any disruption and was openly televised, making the proceedings available for public verification,” the statement said.

The party called reports of panic and disorder “a reckless, false and sensational distortion of the actual events.”

They also dismissed a viral video mentioned in the report, stating it was not recorded at the stakeholders’ meeting.

“The video reportedly relied upon by the reporters did not come from the conference hall where the meeting took place, but from a different location within the expansive PTI complex. It is misleading and irresponsible to connect those unrelated scenes with the APC stakeholders’ meeting,” the statement added.

The APC also denied claims of leadership disputes and rival factions in the Delta State chapter. They maintained that their executives were validly elected through congresses recognized by the party’s National Working Committee.

The statement confirmed that Solomon Arenyeka is the duly recognized chairman of the Delta State chapter.

The party accused the newspaper of getting facts wrong, highlighting that it incorrectly named Sylvester Imonina as the current state publicity secretary instead of Valentine Onojeghuo.

“This negligence calls into serious question every other claim contained in the publication,” the statement said.

While supporting press freedom, the APC emphasized that journalism must be based on accuracy, fairness and proper verification rather than speculation.

They warned that if the newspaper does not retract the publication and apologize within seven days, they will have no choice but to seek legal action.

“The Delta APC remains focused on strengthening internal unity and supporting the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We will not be distracted by fabricated reports aimed at creating division,” the statement concluded.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that stakeholders at the Delta Central APC meeting endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone and other party candidates for the 2027 general elections at the PTI Conference Centre in Effurun.