Delta APC and re-alignment of forces

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is enlarging its coast in Delta State. Correspondent OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE writes on the renewed hope in the opposition camp as major political parties close ranks in a bid to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, there is a renewed hope in the party. Other parties are joining forces with the main opposition party to present a formidable opposition to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defectors include the Labour Party (LP), led by Chief Great Ogboru, the Accord Party (AP), led by ex-House of Assembly Speaker Victor Ochei and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (LP), and scores of PDP stalwarts.
The essence of the fusion of the structures of these political juggernauts is to build a formidable opposition party capable of wresting power from the ruling party in 2019.
At the expanded meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) of the APC in Orhowhorum, Udu local government area, the party leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, said: “If we had won the governorship election in Delta State, the situation would have been different. There is a difference between Delta State and Lagos State and even Edo State. The difference is because the APC had their states. So, it important that we get our State.”

But, here lies the crux of the matter. How can chieftains build a formidable opposition party with so many strong characters fighting for the governorship ticket? How will the party resolve the individual interests of these political heavyweights?
Ardent supporters of Ogboru believe it is either he gets the ticket or nobody gets it. Already, they have returned to the drawing board to restrategise. Also, the sentiment in the Ochei camp is that the former is the right person to slug it out with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Emerhor is the sole financier of the party. He is keenly interested in the slot. His supporters believe that he has an unfinished business, considering his huge personal investment since the inception of the party.
The flamboyant senator from Delta Central District, Omo-Agege, has never hidden his desire to contest for the number one position, despite previous failed attempts. Many believe that he is in a vantage position position to take the party to the promised land because he is highly connected and popular.
The APC is grappling with  the knotty issue of  integrating new members  without upsetting the balance in the party, since the idea of admitting new members  was mooted last year. This informed the setting up of the ‘Welcome Committee’ to discuss with new members, with a view to accommodating all interests.
To address the nagging issue, the committee set up a five-member leadership council that would be reflected at the ward and council levels to address the issue. The new structure is expected to pilot the affairs of the party, until party congresses are held.
Beyond the issue of position sharing among these former political foes, the principle of power rotation among the three senatorial districts may ultimately upset the newly forged friendship.
Despite the outward show of camaraderie exhibited by these heavy weights, their utterances and moves mirror their ethnic lenses.
Will Delta North Senatorial District, having done one term under Okowa, be willing to cede power to Delta Central?
According to sources, there is apprehension among APC members in Delta North that the presence of Emerhor, Ogboru and Omo-Agege – all of  Urhobo ethnic stock from  Delta Central-may be detrimental to the ‘Anioma Agenda,’ which appears to be on track with the Okowa administration.
Some stakeholders have described the recent comments by Ogboru and Emerhor at a reception in honour of Omo-Agege by his kinsmen as irrefutable proof that there is a plan to scheme out the Aniomas of Delta North from power equation.
At the ceremony, Emerhor said: “Na Oyibo talk am say ’divided we fall, united we strong’ and that is why we are coming back together. The opposition is back and now, we have a strong senator to support us. And I can tell you, we are taking back our State.”
Ogboru, who spoke with reporters, affirmed Emerhor’s position. He said: “You saw it, you were there. I don’t need to add or subtract from it. As a matter of fact, I would stand on all fours with what Chief O’tega said today. I believe we can build on it and Delta will be better for it.”
A party leader from Anioma, who pleaded anonymity, was livid at the comments. He said the statements by the two leaders clearly depicted their intentions. He said: “I am very disappointed at the comments of our leaders. Such statements confirm our fears. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. We shall know how this ends. But, we hope and pray that our man is allowed to complete Okowa’s tenure come 2019.”
Despite these challenges, the APC presents has prospects, if the party can put its house in order. The four politicians are popular, charismatic and wealthy. They have extensive support across the three senatorial districts. The fusion of their structures will undoubtedly enhance the party’s appeal and ensure that the party is visible at the grassroots.
Ochei was a three-term legislator, who rose to the position of Speaker. He is an immensely popular politician as evidenced in his strong showing in last year’s PDP governorship primary where he came second.  He can leverage on his contacts across to the benefit of the opposition.
Ogboru is a determined politician with a big followership. He can draw on his experience from his previous political forays with telling effects, especially in Delta Central, to attract votes for his party.
Omo-Agege is a dogged fighter who, despite aspiring on the platform of  little known LP, won the senatorial election.
Emerhor is a reputable politician. He controls the party machinery. He is credited with building the party into a credible opposition platform.
If the party can find an amicable solution to the challenge of power sharing, then, the PDP will have to contend with a formidable opponent that could halt its hold power.