The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State is gearing up for a significant expanded stakeholder gathering, introducing a new regulation that strictly bans the use of mobile phones during the event.
To bolster security protocols, all participants must leave their mobile devices behind, as phones will be prohibited inside the meeting set for this Sunday at the Banquet Hall within the Delta State Government House in Asaba.
Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC State Publicity Secretary, highlighted in a statement:
“All invited guests are required to leave their mobile phones in their vehicles before proceeding to the accreditation point. This security measure is compulsory and must be adhered to without exception.”
He further explained that attendees will undergo a comprehensive screening and accreditation process at the Government House entrance, after which they will be transported to the venue via designated buses.
The statement added, “Accreditation for all invited leaders will take place at the Third Gate of the Government House, Asaba. Once accredited, attendees will be escorted by buses to the Banquet Hall, the official location for the Stakeholders Meeting.”
Among the prominent figures expected are key party officials such as the state chairman Elder Omeni Sobotie; former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo; founding APC member Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Senators Ede Dafinone, Joel Onowakpo-Thomas, and Ned Nwoko; Hon. Francis Waive, Executive Director of NEXIM Bank; and Hon. Stella Okotete, among others.
The meeting will be chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who currently leads the party in Delta State. This marks the first major stakeholder assembly since Governor Oborevwori and the entire state PDP leadership merged into the APC several months ago.
Political observers have connected the recent suspension of certain APC local government chairpersons and executive members-particularly from Ughelli North and Ethiope West LGAs-to a deliberate strategy aimed at excluding them from participation. These suspensions are widely perceived as linked to their allegiance to former deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
Heightened friction between supporters of Omo-Agege and Governor Oborevwori has been noted, fueled largely by rumors that the former 2023 APC gubernatorial candidate is positioning himself for a 2027 run.
Notably, several influential personalities are expected to skip this crucial meeting. These include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka; House of Representatives member Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu; NDDC Governing Board chairman Mr. Chiedu Ebie; former State House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Monday Igbuya; ex-deputy governor Deacon Kingsley Otuaro; and former Deputy Speaker Hon. Friday Osanebi, among others.