Unity has returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly in Delta South Senatorial District, following a successful reconciliation meeting between Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas and Hon. Prince Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele.
The reconciliation, which was marked by jubilation and a renewed spirit of brotherhood, culminated in Diden’s decision to withdraw the court case instituted against Senator Joel-Onowakpo and his pledge to work with the Senator and other party leaders towards a resounding victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
The peace meeting was held at the residence of Hon. Diden and was facilitated by a high-powered delegation comprising Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; the Delta South Senatorial Chairman of the APC, Prince Emmam Amgbaduba; Chief of Staff to the Delta State Government, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo; chairmen of the eight local government areas in Delta South; and other prominent leaders and stakeholders of the party.
The meeting was convened as part of efforts to foster lasting peace, strengthen internal cohesion and consolidate the APC’s support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the end of the parley, Diden announced his decision to withdraw the suit against Senator Joel-Onowakpo, while pledging his total commitment, alongside his teeming supporters, to work with the Senator and other party leaders to deliver the APC in Delta South and across the state.
The development is seen as a major political breakthrough for the party, as the reconciliation paves the way for the re-election of Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, as well as a coordinated campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the development, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed profound appreciation to all those who contributed to the reconciliation, describing the peace deal as a significant step towards building a stronger and more united APC in Delta State.
He particularly commended the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his role in fostering peace and unity within the party.
“First, I want to give special and heartfelt appreciation to our leader in Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State. His Excellency has demonstrated uncommon leadership, wisdom and large-heartedness in uniting the APC family in Delta State.
“This peace we have achieved today is a reflection of his fatherly role and his genuine desire to build one strong, united APC that will deliver for all our candidates.”
Senator Joel-Onowakpo also commended Diden for what he described as sportsmanship, maturity and his demonstrated commitment to the progress of the APC.
According to him, Diden’s decision to put the interest of the party above personal considerations was worthy of commendation.
“I assure him that he and his supporters will be fully integrated and respected. Together as one formidable family, we will work to deliver all our candidates in the forthcoming elections,” he added.
The Senator said the reconciliation would further strengthen the party’s structure across Delta South, stressing that a united APC would be better positioned to mobilise its supporters and deliver victory for all its candidates.
Stakeholders at the meeting described the development as a new dawn for the APC in Delta South, expressing optimism that the resolution of the internal dispute would enable the party to focus fully on its preparations for the 2027 elections.
They said the reconciliation had further demonstrated that the interest of the party and the collective aspirations of its members remained paramount, while expressing confidence that the APC, with its house now in order, was poised for a strong showing in Delta State in 2027.
