How Delta Central APC meeting turned bloody
By Egufe Yafugborhi
Effurun, Delta State – A violent altercation erupted outside the PTI Conference Centre Hall shortly after the conclusion of a stakeholders’ meeting hosted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday. The meeting, intended to unify party members in preparation for the upcoming elections, instead culminated in an incident that left multiple individuals injured.
Simon Mudi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol, sustained severe injuries after being attacked with bottles. Reports indicate that Uvwie Local Government Chairman Tony Ofoni and Commissioner for Works Rueben Izeze were also involved in the chaos. Many attendees departed with injuries as tensions flared among party supporters.
Inside the hall, Delta Central APC leaders, including Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo and Senator Ede Dafinone, gathered to address divisions stemming from previous primaries. The meeting concluded without incident, but chaos ensued outside as party members who had been denied entry awaited their leaders at a nearby bar and barbecue joint.
Mudi, responsible for monitoring entry to the meeting, became a target amid the confrontation, witnesses report that he was struck repeatedly.
Sources indicate that the violence was not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a pre-existing conflict between Mudi and Izeze, both members of the Ughievwen sub-clan from Ughelli South LGA. The dispute escalated during discussions regarding the APC’s primary elections, where Mudi advocated for a consensus candidacy in favor of incumbent Festus Utuama. Izeze, supporting a rival candidate, publicly disputed Mudi’s claims about directives from the governor.
The confrontation reportedly began earlier at a funeral service attended by both men. Ofoni, who attempted to mediate the dispute during the meeting, recounted seeing individuals lying injured when he rushed outside in response to the brawl.
Mudi, recovering from his injuries, expressed disbelief over the violence, alleging that Izeze incited the attack by bringing numerous supporters. He described the encounter as chaotic and frightening, resulting in significant injuries that required multiple stitches on his head.
In the days following the incident, Delta APC officials dismissed claims of violence. State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo labeled media reports as “reckless” and insisted the stakeholders’ meeting proceeded without disruption. He suggested that video footage showcasing the altercation was misrepresented.
Critics, including social media advocate Zik Gbemre, argued that the party’s attempts to downplay the incident were disingenuous, asserting that the conflict reflected deeper issues within the party.
The Delta State Government condemned the violence, with Commissioner for Works and Public Information Charles Aniagwu denouncing the attack on Mudi and calling for action against those responsible. Security concerns are heightened as reports indicate a significant police presence at the meeting venue, although their failure to prevent the altercation remains a point of contention.
In response to escalating tensions, local leaders met on Wednesday to advocate for an end to hostilities. They established a peace committee to facilitate dialogue moving forward.
As investigations continue and party members reflect on the incident, it is evident that internal strife within Delta APC poses challenges as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle. The clashes outside the PTI Conference Centre underscore the complicated dynamics that may affect their unity in the approach to the 2027 elections.
