Violence erupted at a leadership meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District on Saturday. The disruption occurred after party leaders and supporters clashed at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
Eyewitnesses reported that what was initially a routine stakeholder meeting devolved into chaos due to disagreements among party members. The situation escalated into physical altercations, with chairs and other objects thrown as rival factions battled.
Numerous attendees suffered various injuries, prompting those present to flee to avoid the escalating violence. Among those reportedly affected was a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, seen in widely circulated footage exiting the venue amid the turmoil.
Sources at the meeting attributed the confrontation to ongoing disputes between founding members of the APC and recent entrants. Concerns were raised that long-standing members felt marginalized in party appointments and political benefits following the influx of new members into the APC.
Allegedly, supporters loyal to a current Delta State commissioner, a key founding member, and associates of the governor’s Senior Special Assistant—who joined the APC last year—were implicated in the conflict.
Amidst the chaos, senior party members reportedly evacuated the scene quickly with the help of their security teams to avoid being caught in the melee. Witnesses claimed that several items at the venue were vandalized before security forces restored order.
The incident raises new questions about internal unity within the Delta APC, especially as political activities ramp up toward future elections. Political analysts are urging party leaders to adopt dialogue and reconciliation tactics, warning that unresolved disputes could damage the party’s cohesion and public standing.
At the time of reporting, no official statements had been made by the Delta State chapter of the APC, the Delta State Government, or the Nigeria Police Force regarding the situation.
Stakeholders have called for a comprehensive investigation into the violence, urging authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable according to the law.
