Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, have lamented what they described as deliberate attempts to sideline the Urhobo bloc from the party’s decision-making process, particularly in the composition of the local government executive structure.

The party leaders, under the aegis of the Warri Urhobo APC leadership, made their position known in a protest letter addressed to the Delta State APC Chairman, expressing dissatisfaction over what they termed exclusion and marginalization during the recent congresses.

Signatories to the letter include Olorogun Bernard Okumagba (Chairman), Chief Benson Obire (Vice Chairman), Hon. Mark Ikpuri, Olorogun Victor Okumagba, JP, Chief Isaac Emifoniye, JP, Chief Vincent Okudolor, JP (Secretary), Chief Dr. Westham Adehor, JP, Chief Ann Gagiyovwin, JP, Chief Peter Agiri, JP, among other stakeholders.

The chieftains alleged that the process that produced the local government leadership lacked transparency and adequate consultation with critical stakeholders across wards in Warri South.

They contended that the Urhobo bloc, which they said had played a significant role in strengthening the party’s grassroots structure, was unfairly excluded from key decisions affecting the direction of the party at the local level.

According to them, such development runs contrary to the principles of internal democracy and inclusiveness which the party professes to uphold.

They further warned that continued marginalization of the bloc could weaken party unity, dampen grassroots mobilization, and adversely affect the party’s electoral fortunes in the area.

The aggrieved leaders called on the state leadership of the APC to urgently intervene and ensure a transparent, inclusive and consultative process that guarantees fair representation of all blocs within the party.

Meanwhile, sources within the party hinted that moves are ongoing by some elders and stakeholders to mediate and forestall a full-blown crisis.

However, the Urhobo bloc maintained that only concrete corrective measures, not mere assurances, would resolve the brewing tension.