The Warri Urhobo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted a media report of alleged split in its rank, describing it as false, misleading, and deliberately sponsored to create division among its members.
The controversial publication, titled “Warri South: Urhobo Leaders in APC split, produce two chairmen,” alleged a leadership crisis within the Warri Urhobo APC, a claim the group has now strongly debunked.
In a statement jointly signed by Rt. Hon. Gabriel Okandeji, Hon. Obruche Obodo JP, and Mr. Benji Eboh on behalf of Warri Urhobo APC leaders and members, the group reaffirmed its unity and total loyalty to the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. According to the statement, there is no division within the party in Warri South, as all members both from the former APC and the former PDP remain united under one leadership and committed to the vision of the Governor.
The statement emphasized that a well-attended Unity Meeting of the Warri Urhobo APC held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Peggy Hotel in Warri further consolidated this unity. At that meeting, a Leadership Council was formally adopted, with Olorogun Bernard Okumagba elected as Chairman and Chief Isreal Abido as Deputy Chairman. Other notable leaders who form part of the council include Hon. Chief Benson Obire, Rev. David Otofia, Chief Vincent Okudolor, Chief Mark Ikpuri, Chief Victor Okumagba, Hon. Matthew Opuoru, Chief West Ham Adehor, and Hon. Chief Peter Agiri.
The Warri Urhobo APC stated that its Leadership Council was established to protect the collective interests of Warri Urhobos and ensure that its structure cannot be influenced or manipulated by external ethnic interests. The group stressed that they are focused on securing the rightful share of positions, appointments, and development benefits due to Warri Urhobos at the local government, senatorial district, state, and federal levels.
The meeting also restated its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori ahead of the 2027 general elections, pledging to work in unity to promote peace and strengthen the position of Urhobos in Warri South politics. The group emphasized that their loyalty to the Governor has been consistently declared at all meetings, including the General Meeting held on May 3rd at Okeke Events Centre in Warri, which was widely reported across media platforms.
Dismissing the report as baseless, the statement urged the general public to disregard the publication, which it described as the handiwork of enemies of progress who are working against the political stability and development of the Urhobo people in Warri. The Warri Urhobo APC reiterated its commitment to fostering unity, defending the interests of its people, and maintaining unwavering support for Governor Oborevwori’s administration.
