Ethiope East APC Elders, Leaders Reject Chief Great Ogboru’s Move To Return To Party

By Daniel Dafe

Elders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State have said that the alleged rumoured return of Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru to the All Progressive Congress (APC) has in no small measure sparked intense controversy within the ranks and file of the Ethiope East All Progressives Congress family ways and manners of which is roundly condemned by all.”

This was contained in a statement on Tuesday signed by Chief Barr G. S Avwunudiogba JP, Chairman Ethiope East Elders and leaders forum; Chief Julius Ogboru, Chairman, Ethiope East APC; Hon Chief Barr Obukohwo Joseph Oshevire, Former member DTHA and Legal Adviser Ethiope East Elders and leaders forum and Ufuoma Raymond Edjeba, Secretary APC Elders and leaders forum.

According to the statement, “this rumoured said return of Great Ovedje Ogboru without the knowledge of the APC ward 1 chairman, who is authorized by the APC constitution to issue membership cards to persons that desire to be members, appears to remain what it is – a rumour.”

The statement continued: “It is noteworthy that Great Ogboru who in his characteristic manner of party hopping, defected to the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2019 where he under the guise of contesting the 2023 Governorship election hobnobbed with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and played a spoiler role to thwart the genuine efforts of H. E Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the APC in the Governorship race.

“It is only proper that if Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru is desirous to return to the APC, he should publicly resign from APGA and renounce any form of romance with H. E RT. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP in addition to paying a visit to Ward 1 chairman to obtain a membership card.

“Ogboru’s history of party hopping is well documented having contested Governorship elections under Alliance for Democracy (AD), Democratic peoples Party (DPP),  Labour Party ( LP) and the All Progressive Congress( APC).

“His latest move to rejoin us is suspect because it is doubtful whether he shares in the commitment to the values and principles of the party.”

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Continuing, they said “the Ethiope East APC family family’s concerns are not baseless taking into account that not only is Mr. Wilfred Emojoroh the ward 1 APC chairman is unaware of his sneaking into the party, but his antecedents paints him in bad light as we fear that he may be coming to sabotage our efforts in the 2027 Governorship election for his pecuniary benefits and thereafter disappear to congratulate our opponents.

“What is equally disturbing is that his hobnobbing with the PDP in recent times was rewarded with appointments for Senior Special Assistance ( SSA), Personal Assistance ( P.A) etcetera of some of his faithfuls by RT. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori government whom he will be leaving behind as he would appear to be coming alone.”

“Furthermore, his collaboration with Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and RT. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to thwart and sabotage the efforts of H. E senator Ovie Omo-Agege in the 2023 Governorship elections is still fresh in the minds of party faithful.

“This deliberate betrayal still creates tension within the party as we are not only skeptical but questions whether Ogboru has genuine intentions in his reapplication to join the party.

“In the light of these developments, it is imperative that Ogboru respects the party’s constitution and follow the proper channels for re-entry.

“Anything less would be a disservice to APC ‘ s values, principles and constitution.

“The party members in Ethiope East and indeed ward 1 Abraka deserve better than a politician who prioritizes personal interests over and above collective interest of the party,” the statement said.

The APC Elders and leaders said they have implicit confidence in H. E senator Ovie Omo-Agege CFR and had previously passed a vote of confidence in him as the only candidate that can take the party to the government house in Asaba in the 2027, saying “and we here by reaffirm this going forward and urge party members to support him to move the party forward.”

The statement said further: “The unequivocal rejection of Great Ogboru’s unconventional and unconstitutional re-entry attempts into Ethiope East APC from another local government without first consulting his Abraka ward 1 chairman or even Ethiope East APC Chairman Chief Julius Ogboru is a slight and disregard.

“Ethiope East APC firmly reiterates its resolve not to tolerate any actions that undermine the party’s integrity and concerted efforts of our leaders to unite the party and lead it to electoral victories in 2027.

“Consequently the Ethiope East APC Elders and leaders forum ably led by Chief Barr G. S Avwunudiogba JP hereby reject Great Ogboru’s attempt at RE- entering the party through the back door, until the proper steps are taking.

“That he firstly publicizes his resignation letter from APGA and consults his ward chairman regarding his intentions.

“This decision is necessary because of Ogboru’s history of party hopping and political racketeering.”