By Lucky Uto
Mr. Lucky Ofomukoro, has emerged as the consensus Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, ahead of the party’s forthcoming congress.
His emergence followed a series of consultations and deliberations among APC leaders and stakeholders during a meeting held on Sunday at the Ughelli North Local Government Council Secretariat.
Ofomukoro, who previously led the PDP in the local government in the local government area, joined the APC following the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other PDP stakeholders to the ruling party in the state.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Vice Chairman of the APC Ughelli North Leadership Council, Mr. Fred Majemite, said the decision to adopt a consensus approach was aimed at promoting unity and consolidating the party’s strength ahead of future political contests.
Majemite explained that leaders agreed to rotate strategic party positions between Constituency I and Constituency II in the local government, adding that earlier zoning arrangements were adjusted to achieve balance, fairness, and inclusiveness.
According to him, the chairmanship position was ultimately zoned to Constituency I, clearing the path for Ofomukoro’s emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.
He acknowledged that the build-up to the congress witnessed disagreements and internal tensions but noted that about 90 per cent of the issues had been resolved, with only one matter outstanding, which he assured would be settled soon.
Speaking as acting chairman in the absence of the substantive chairman, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Majemite expressed satisfaction with the peaceful outcome of the meeting, stating that party elders and leaders in Ughelli North were firmly united behind the resolutions reached.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, said the consensus arrangement aligned with directives from the APC leadership in the state, following a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House.
Egbo noted that the party leadership, under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, had emphasized inclusiveness and unity, calling on both old and new APC members to return to their wards, engage in consultations, and build consensus.
He disclosed that five leaders were invited from each of the 11 wards, making a total of 55 stakeholders, with near-total attendance recorded at the meeting.
According to him, the consultations were designed to accommodate diverse interests ahead of the congress. He added that issues were identified in two wards, one of which had already been resolved, while a committee had been constituted to address the remaining concern.
In his remarks, the APC Chairman in Ughelli North, Mr. Samuel Evwighono, described the meeting as productive and a clear demonstration of unity within the party.
Evwighono said the extensive consultations ensured that no member was sidelined, stressing that dialogue remained the most effective means of resolving political differences. He advised the newly emerged chairman to establish a reconciliation committee to further strengthen unity and ensure broad participation within the party.
Similarly, the Director of the Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Engr. Christabel Obiuwevbi, praised the Ughelli North APC leadership for adopting dialogue and consensus in resolving internal issues.
- She described the process as evidence of political maturity and commitment to internal democracy, noting that lasting growth could only be achieved when all stakeholders were actively involved. Engr. Obiuwevbi urged party members to remain disciplined, focused, and united in repositioning the APC for improved electoral performance in Ughelli North and across Delta State.
