What was meant to be a showcase of grassroots democracy in Delta State has instead turned into a sobering reminder of the volatility of internal party politics. Reports emerging from the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses today paint a grim picture of disruption and physical altercations. While the party aimed to solidify its structure ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, the sound of ballot boxes was overshadowed by the sounds of chaos, leaving several party members injured and the political atmosphere in the state thick with tension.
The flashpoints were reportedly centered in areas like Ovada and Oghara, where suspected gunmen and thugs allegedly stormed congress venues, sending party faithful scurrying for safety. It’s a classic, yet tragic, Nigerian political trope: when the stakes for local leadership are high, the “do-or-die” mentality often replaces the spirit of a fair contest. For a party that has been working overtime to position itself as a unified alternative in a traditionally PDP-dominated state, these cracks in the foundation are more than just a local skirmish—they are a PR nightmare and a security concern.
The irony of the situation isn’t lost on observers. Just days ago, party stakeholders were meeting in Asaba to deliberate on “unity and grassroots mobilization.” However, the transition from the boardroom to the wards has proven difficult. While some party leaders have officially commended the “peaceful conduct” in certain local governments, the graphic accounts of violence from other zones tell a conflicting story. This “tale of two congresses” highlights a deep-seated struggle for control between various factions vying for the soul of the party in the South-South.
As the dust settles and the injured receive medical attention, the big question remains: where does the APC go from here? If the party cannot manage a ward-level exercise without blood on the floor, the road to the general elections will be a rocky one. Political analysts argue that unless the national leadership steps in to mediate these local rivalries, the “Big Heart” of Nigeria might see even more turbulence. For now, the people of Delta State are left hoping that the quest for power doesn’t continue to come at the cost of peace.
