Delta APC Dismisses Omo-Agege’s Violence Claims, Demands Evidence

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed allegations by former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, accusing the party of being behind recent incidents of violence in the state, describing the claims as baseless, politically motivated, and aimed at misleading the public.

The party, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, said Omo-Agege was attempting to exploit the recent incident at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, to score political points by presenting it as a coordinated act of political violence.

It also rejected allegations that APC members sponsored thugs to prevent the governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Chris Iyovwaye, from visiting his hometown of Aghalokpe.

According to the APC, linking the PTI incident to the alleged disruption of Iyovwaye’s visit was a deliberate attempt to create the impression that the state was witnessing an organised campaign of political violence.

“It is unfortunate that Senator Omo-Agege has chosen to exploit the regrettable incident at the PTI Conference Centre for cheap political opportunism by peddling a concocted narrative of political thuggery allegedly orchestrated by the APC. Nothing could be further from the truth,” the statement read.

The party maintained that it remains committed to constitutional democracy and the rule of law, stressing that violence has never been part of its political philosophy. It said attempts to portray the APC as a violent organisation without credible evidence were malicious, defamatory and intended to tarnish its image.

The statement further clarified that the reported violence did not occur during the APC Delta Central leaders’ and stakeholders’ meeting at the PTI Conference Centre, noting that the gathering was peaceful throughout. It added that the proceedings were broadcast live on national television stations, including ARISE Television and TVC News, providing clear evidence that the meeting was conducted without any disruption.

Reacting to Omo-Agege’s alleged warning of a coordinated campaign of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, the APC described the allegation as reckless and unsupported by any publicly available evidence.

It warned that such statements were capable of creating unnecessary panic and eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

The party challenged the former Deputy President of the Senate to submit any evidence in his possession to the appropriate security agencies rather than making what it described as inflammatory claims in the media.

The APC also reaffirmed its support for a thorough, impartial and professional investigation into all reported incidents of violence, including the PTI incident, expressing confidence that the outcome would reveal the true circumstances surrounding the events.

While urging Deltans not to be misled by what it described as a campaign of misinformation, the party maintained that the state has continued to enjoy relative peace and steady development under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The statement also called on political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and allow security agencies to perform their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

“As the 2027 general elections approach, every political stakeholder has a responsibility to promote peace, strengthen democratic values and place the collective interest of the people above personal political ambition,” the statement added.