Mr. Lucky Ofomukoro, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli North Local Government Area, has emerged as the consensus Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the local government, ahead of the party’s forthcoming congress in Delta State.
His emergence followed extensive consultations and deliberations among APC leaders and stakeholders at a meeting held on Sunday at the Ughelli North Local Government Council Secretariat, where party elders resolved to adopt a consensus approach in the interest of unity and stability.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the APC Ughelli North Leadership Council, Mr. Fred Majemite, said the decision was a deliberate effort to strengthen internal cohesion and position the party for future electoral contests.
“Our priority was to ensure that Ughelli North APC comes out of this process stronger and more united. Consensus, in this case, was the most practical and peaceful option. We believe that when leaders sit down and talk frankly, most issues can be resolved without deepening divisions.”
Majemite explained that stakeholders agreed to rotate key party positions between Constituency I and Constituency II to promote fairness and inclusiveness.
According to him, adjustments were made to earlier zoning arrangements to reflect current realities, leading to the chairmanship position being zoned to Constituency I, which paved the way for Ofomukoro’s emergence.
He acknowledged that the build-up to the congress was marked by disagreements and internal tensions but noted that significant progress had been made.
“I can confidently say that about 90 per cent of the issues have been resolved. Only one concern remains, and mechanisms are already in place to address it amicably,” he added.
Speaking in his capacity as acting chairman in the absence of the substantive chairman, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Majemite expressed satisfaction with the peaceful outcome of the meeting.
He noted that party elders and leaders across Ughelli North had collectively endorsed the resolutions reached.
Also, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, said the consensus arrangement was in line with directives from the APC leadership at the state level, following a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House.
“The message from the state leadership, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is very clear: inclusiveness, unity, and consultation must guide our actions. Both old and new members are encouraged to go back to their wards, engage one another, and build consensus rather than conflict,” Egbo said.
Egbo disclosed that five leaders were invited from each of the 11 wards, bringing the total number of stakeholders to 55, with near-total attendance recorded. He said the consultations were structured to accommodate diverse interests ahead of the congress.
“Some issues were identified in two wards. One has already been resolved, while a committee has been set up to address the remaining concern. We are confident that it will be resolved without rancour,” he stated.
In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Ughelli North, Mr. Samuel Evwighono, described the meeting as productive and reflective of the party’s commitment to internal harmony.
“This process shows that dialogue remains the best tool for resolving political differences,” Evwighono said.
“No one was sidelined, and every voice was heard. Going forward, I have advised the newly emerged chairman to consider setting up a reconciliation committee to further strengthen unity within the party.”
Similarly, the Director of the Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Engr. Christabel Obiuwevbi, commended the Ughelli North APC leadership for embracing dialogue and consensus.
“What we have seen here is political maturity and respect for internal democracy. Sustainable growth in any political party can only be achieved when stakeholders feel included and respected,” she said.
She urged members to remain disciplined, focused, and united in repositioning the APC for improved electoral performance in Ughelli North and across Delta State.
