Violence Erupts At Delta APC Ward Congress, Lawmaker Accused Of Orchestrating Attack

According to reports, party members had gathered around 7 a.m. at Azagba Primary School in Otor-Owhe, Isoko North Local Government Area, the designated venue, when suspected thugs stormed the site, halting proceedings.

Party members expressed outrage over what they described as undue interference, insisting that a credible election be conducted to reflect the genuine will of the ward.

Tensions escalated when the suspected thugs, allegedly acting on behalf of Ukodhiko and reportedly aided by armed military personnel, attempted to escort the party’s returning officer, Isaiah Ogunye, to prematurely announce a ward chairman. Party members resisted, resulting in the collapse of the exercise.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, an APC member identified as Kome accused Ukodhiko of attempting to impose ward executives by force.

“Ukodhiko cannot impose a ward executive on us. Because of our resistance, he decided to use political thugs loyal to him to disrupt the congress,” he said.

Kome further alleged that the lawmaker acted out of political fear ahead of the 2027 elections:

“Ukodhiko is afraid because one of our own, Blessing Obomovo, is also interested in the House of Representatives in 2027. He’s using every means to create unnecessary conflicts. This is how he has been imposing LGA chairmen and attempting to control all wards to secure a second term.”

Describing Ukodhiko as “too desperate,” Kome emphasized that party leaders and members were determined to resist any attempt to hijack the ward’s executive structure:

“How can only Ukodhiko use his stooges to write a consensus executive list without input from other party leaders? Party members gathered at Azagba Primary School to protest efforts to subvert the consensus arrangements previously agreed upon by stakeholders.”

Kome also alleged that Ukodhiko, through loyalists including Richard Isagba, tried to alter a consensus list already submitted to the APC Local Government Area chairman, Ebemuno, and acknowledged at a leadership meeting.

Reacting to the incident, APC Otor-Owhe/Akiewhe Ward 6 Chairman, Magistrate Oletu, confirmed that violence disrupted the exercise and that no congress was ultimately held. When contacted, Isagba denied any involvement in the disruption.