By Adebayo Timi
Dr. Abel Oharume has vehemently condemned the appointment of Chief Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, labeling it both unlawful and devoid of legitimacy. He asserts that there is no room for political opportunism within the party, characterizing Akpeki’s self-proclaimed role as unacceptable.
Dr. Oharume is a well-known entrepreneur in the transportation sector, particularly recognized for his operations in major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Georgia, and Dallas, Texas. He is the owner of one of the fastest-growing African-American enterprises and serves as the President and Executive Director of several companies, including Omena and Izomabeleon LLC, Ohabiz International LLC, and Alampo International Logistics, Haulage, and Freight.
In the political realm, Dr. Oharume has demonstrated a robust commitment to public service. He was a prominent chairmanship candidate for the Sapele Local Government Council representing the Democratic People’s Party during the 2011/2012 elections. Furthermore, he founded multiple organizations aimed at fostering youth leadership and political engagement, including Delta Never Too Young to Lead and the Delta Youths Rainbow Movement, and he currently coordinates the Agbarhoyovwi Unity Alliance.
Dr. Oharume’s political endeavors include an attempt to secure the Delta Central Senatorial seat in 2013, where he competed against notable figures such as Chief Ede Dafinone and Chief Napoleon Igbinije. Although he finished fourth in that primary election, he did not deter in his ambitions; in 2014, he successfully secured the Labor Party’s nomination for the Ughelli North Constituency 2, defeating an incumbent assembly member. Despite achieving widespread victory in the 2015 general elections, he claimed that his electoral mandate was unjustly revoked during the official results announcement.
As a prominent member of the APC in Delta State, Dr. Oharume has voiced strong opposition to Chief Akpeki’s recent appointment. He asserts that this decision contradicts not only the rules of the APC constitution but also the principles of democracy. Dr. Oharume, who campaigned for the Ughelli North State House of Assembly seat in the 2023 elections, has utilized his extensive experience to advocate for integrity and adherence to due process within the party.
He has urged Chief Akpeki to respect established protocols and avoid actions that could incite unrest within the APC. Dr. Oharume condemned Akpeki’s ascension to acting chairmanship as a significant violation of party guidelines, stating that Akpeki has no legal mandate to preside over the chairmanship while there is a Deputy Chairman, Chief Francis Obigbor, already in office. He emphasized that the APC constitution provides explicit provisions regarding such appointments, which are being disregarded in this case.
Citing Article 14.2(iii) of the APC constitution, Dr. Oharume clarified that while national-level succession involves both Deputy National Chairmen, this does not correlate to the state level, where a single Deputy Chairman exists. Therefore, he concludes that Akpeki’s claim to the acting chairmanship is a breach of party regulations.
Dr. Oharume criticized the Delta State chapter’s State Working Committee (SWC) for their decision, which he believes undermines the foundational principles of the party and poses a serious threat to its cohesion. He suggested that the SWC’s failure to adhere to Articles 14.2(i) and (ii) reveals either a lack of comprehension of party doctrines or a deliberate misinterpretation of them.
He further stressed that the SWC’s actions could destabilize the internal harmony of the APC, arguing that rather than promoting unity and preparedness for future challenges, this appointment would likely result in division and distrust among party members.
In his address, Dr. Oharume was keen to remind members that Chief Francis Obigbor is the rightful acting chairman in the absence of Elder Omeni Sobotie, the substantive chairman currently on medical leave. He denounced comments made by Valentine Onojeghuo, the State Publicity Secretary of APC Delta, as misleading and aimed at causing confusion—a reflection of irresponsibility in political conduct.
While recognizing Chief Akpeki’s role as the Chairman of the Delta Central Senatorial District, Dr. Oharume called for compliance with party regulations, emphasizing that only Chief Francis Obigbor should serve as the acting chairman during Elder Sobotie’s absence, as stated in the APC Constitution.
Dr. Oharume urged APC members to collectively denounce Chief Akpeki and his associates, highlighting the importance of unity and strict adherence to the party’s constitutional framework for the continued success of the APC.
