A meeting of All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Delta State turned violent Monday after a dispute erupted over whether to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term, according to multiple witnesses and party officials.
Ejes Gist News can authoritatively report that the gathering, organized by the state executive committee to rally support for both Tinubu and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 elections, descended into chaos within minutes.
Attendees said the conflict began when a faction loyal to a former governor objected to including Tinubu on the endorsement list, arguing the party should focus solely on Oborevwori’s reelection.
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“The room split in two,” said a party member who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. “People started shouting, then pushing, and before you knew it, chairs were flying.
It was a free-for-all.” Ejes Gist News understands that the violence left several people injured, including two party elders who were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Security personnel intervened to restore order, but the meeting was eventually abandoned without any formal endorsements.
The incident highlights deepening fractures within the Delta APC, which has struggled to unify factions loyal to different power blocs.
Political analysts say the infighting could weaken the party’s chances in the 2027 gubernatorial and presidential elections in the state.
In a brief statement Tuesday, APC Chieftain, Mr. Chukwudi Okonkwo, condemned the violence and announced an internal investigation.
“We regret the unfortunate incident and assure members that those responsible will be disciplined,” he said. Efforts to reach the presidency for comment were unsuccessful.
Background of the rift
The Delta APC has been torn between supporters of former Governor James Ibori and a newer group backing Governor Oborevwori.
The fight Monday appeared to be the latest clash between these camps, with the Ibori faction reportedly wary of endorsing Tinubu due to perceived slights in federal appointments.
Investigations by Ejes Gist News reveal that party officials had planned a smooth show of unity ahead of the 2027 campaigns. Instead, the brawl has exposed raw nerves and raised questions about whether the party can hold together under Tinubu’s leadership.
Political implications
With the 2027 elections more than two years away, the incident could embolden opposition parties in Delta State.
The Peoples Democratic Party, which currently holds the governor’s office, seized on the chaos to call the APC “a party of thugs.” For Tinubu, the fight represents another challenge to his authority within his own party.
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APC stakeholders’ meeting in Delta State, hosted to endorse Tinubu and Governor Sheriff for second tenures, ended in a brutal fight yesterday.
This is highly disturb!ng!✍️ pic.twitter.com/KGId7loZEB
— Obiasogu David (@afrisagacity) July 28, 2026
The president has sought to consolidate control over state chapters, but Monday’s events suggest resistance remains. As of Tuesday, no formal endorsements for either Tinubu or Oborevwori had been made, and the Delta APC remained in disarray.
