Unity on Display as APC Sapele Elects Okpigben Chairman in a Peaceful, Consensus Congress

By Endurance Ikanone

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has elected Hon. Francis Okpigben as its new LGA Chairman following a peaceful and widely attended congress held on Saturday at the Sapele Township Stadium.

The exercise, which was monitored by key party stakeholders including Senator Ede Dafinone, Chief Kingsley Esiso, Hon. Bright Afure Abeke, Chief Awolowo Perkins, Mr. Austin Ayemidejor, Benson Okorodudu, and former Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Okakuro Eugene Inoaghan, was marked by a strong display of internal cohesion as delegates adopted a consensus arrangement, affirming each executive member through resounding voice votes.

Thousands of APC members endorsed Okpigben, with loud affirmations and applause echoing across the stadium, reinforcing what party leaders described as a unified and strengthened APC structure in Sapele.

The congress produced a full slate of executives who emerged unopposed. Mrs. Gbugbemi Ikomi was affirmed as Vice Chairman, Comrade Ofarn Solomon as Secretary, Hon. Omosuvie Henry as Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Mujakperuo Florence as Woman Leader, Mr. Hero Asagba as Youth Leader, and Mrs. Elohor Ajejevwe as Assistant Youth Leader, alongside other officers.

The process was conducted by the APC Returning Officer, Blessing Akamugbe, in the presence of representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who monitored the proceedings to ensure transparency and procedural compliance.

Speaking at the Congress, Senator Ede Dafinone described the congress as well coordinated and successful, urging the newly elected executives to maintain inclusiveness and collective responsibility.

“The strength of any political structure lies in its ability to carry everyone along,” he said, while congratulating the officers on their emergence.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the congress, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Afure Abeke, commended party members for their discipline and maturity, describing the exercise as a demonstration of unity and political strength.

“This congress has shown that APC in Sapele is united and focused,” Abeke said. “The overwhelming support witnessed here today is a clear indication of what to expect in future elections.”

He expressed confidence that the unity displayed at the congress would translate into electoral success in 2027 in support of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected Chairman, Hon. Francis Okpigben, expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and grassroots members for the confidence reposed in him and his team.

“We will operate an inclusive leadership that accommodates all interests within the party,” he said. “Our commitment is to deepen unity, strengthen our structures, and deliver resounding electoral victories for the APC in the forthcoming elections.”

Saturday’s congress ended in an atmosphere of celebration, with party faithful describing the outcome as a consolidation of party structure rather than a contest of factions.