Delta APC starts unity efforts for 2027 elections

The All Progressives Congress in Delta State is starting efforts to bring together unhappy members and boost its base before the 2027 general elections.

Unity was a big topic at the APC Delta North Stakeholders’ Meeting in Asaba on Friday. Party leaders looked over plans for the upcoming elections.

During the meeting, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, urged leaders to connect with those who lost in the party’s primaries and others who feel left out.

Onyeme stated that the APC needs every member's support to reach its goals in the state.

He encouraged leaders to put personal issues aside, reconcile with unhappy members, and include everyone in the party's campaign as the elections approach.

Onyeme said, "We must work together. Those who contested and did not win should not be abandoned. We must reach out to them and make them understand that there is a place for everybody in the party."

The deputy governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for working towards state police, calling it an important move for better security across Nigeria.

He pointed out that the Nigeria Police Force could not effectively secure every area given the country's size and population.

Onyeme noted, "We need state police because the federal police cannot reach all the nooks and crannies. Today, it is becoming a reality. Who made that possible? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

He is hopeful that state police will help governments respond faster to security threats and work alongside the Nigeria Police Force.

The meeting also supported the re-election of Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for 2027.

The motion for endorsement was introduced by the APC House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and backed by Frank Esenwa.

The stakeholders agreed to the motion.

Former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, also backed state police, seeing it as a big step for the country’s security.

Okowa mentioned that this idea has been talked about since 2000, but past governments have not made it happen.

He emphasized that state police should support the Nigeria Police Force, not replace it.

According to him, giving states more power in policing would help them deal with security issues in their areas.

The former governor also called on APC leaders to push harder for unity and engage more with voters as 2027 approaches.

He advised party members to do more than just hold meetings and to connect directly with communities, socio-cultural groups, and other grassroots organizations.

Okowa said, "The work ahead is at the grassroots. We must go back to our communities, engage the people and rebuild confidence in the party."

Delta State APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Areyenka, and Delta North Chairman, Mr Dan Ossai, also urged members to stay united and dedicated to strengthening the party.

The stakeholders’ meeting wrapped up with a renewed focus on unity, grassroots mobilization, and internal cohesion as the APC gears up for the 2027 elections.