The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports alleging that violence marred the party’s Delta Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting, describing the publication as false, misleading and a deliberate misrepresentation of what transpired.
Key Highlights
- Delta APC denies violence: The party rejected reports that violence disrupted its Delta Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting.
- Meeting described as peaceful: APC said the Sunday meeting at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, was well attended and concluded without disruption.
- Video disputed: The party claimed the video used to support the report was recorded at a different location and wrongly linked to the meeting.
- Factional crisis denied: Delta APC maintained that it has only one recognised State Executive Committee led by Chief Solomon Arenyeka.
- Report criticised for factual errors: The party faulted the publication for wrongly identifying its current publicity secretary.
In a statement signed by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC maintained that the meeting, held on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, was peaceful, well attended and concluded without any disruption.
According to the party, the event was broadcast live on national television and proceeded successfully from commencement to conclusion, contrary to claims that it was disrupted by violence.
The APC further argued that the video relied upon in the report did not originate from the venue where the stakeholders’ meeting was held, insisting that the scenes occurred at a different location and were wrongly linked to the party’s gathering.
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The party also rejected suggestions of factional leadership or internal crisis within the Delta State APC, maintaining that it has only one recognised State Executive Committee led by Chief Solomon Arenyeka, which it said was duly produced through the party’s congresses and ratified by the National Convention.
It also faulted the report for identifying a former party spokesman as the current publicity secretary, describing the error as evidence of poor fact-checking and lack of verification.
The APC stressed that journalists have a responsibility to ensure accuracy, balance and fairness in their reports, warning that sensational reporting undermines public confidence in the media.
The party demanded an immediate retraction of the publication and a public apology within seven days, warning that failure to do so would compel it to explore legal options to protect its reputation.
Reaffirming its commitment to unity and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the APC said it remains focused on strengthening the party across Delta State and supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, insisting it would not be distracted by what it described as fabricated reports aimed at creating disaffection within its ranks.
