A violent confrontation erupted among leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central on Saturday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, forcing the abrupt cancellation of a party meeting. Eyewitnesses reported that the gathering turned chaotic as attendees allegedly engaged in physical altercations, with chairs and other objects thrown during the incident. Several individuals, including party members, sustained injuries, and the disturbance was captured in widely shared videos circulating on social media.
One of the most notable figures seen leaving the venue during the chaos was a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Government, whose presence sparked further speculation about the nature of the conflict. Sources close to the event suggested the confrontation stemmed from deep-seated factional disagreements within the party. Allegations emerged that supporters linked to one of the state’s commissioners, a founding member of the APC, and those associated with the governor’s Senior Special Assistant—who joined the party last year—were at odds.
The founding members reportedly felt sidelined and excluded from key party benefits, which they believed were being disproportionately allocated to newer members. This sense of marginalization reportedly fueled tensions that boiled over during the meeting. As the situation escalated, party leaders and their security aides quickly evacuated the venue for safety. In the aftermath, some goods and property at the venue were reportedly vandalized by those involved in the altercation.
The incident has drawn public attention to the internal dynamics of the APC in Delta State and raised concerns about the conduct of political gatherings. Observers emphasize that peaceful dialogue and respect for democratic processes are essential for maintaining public trust in political institutions. Despite the severity of the event, no official statement has been released as of now by the Delta State Government, the state APC chapter, or the Nigeria Police Force.
Stakeholders have urged a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full facts behind the disruption. They stress the importance of holding anyone found responsible for unlawful acts accountable under the law. The incident underscores the need for better internal governance and conflict resolution mechanisms within political parties. As the APC prepares for upcoming elections, this event may have lasting implications for party unity and public perception in Delta State.
Leave a Comment