Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Godsday Orubebe, has strongly criticised Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for his recent comments dismissing the work of the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Delta APC reconciliation committee.
Speaking to journalists in Warri on Thursday, Orubebe described Nwaoboshi’s remarks as “unfortunate” and lacking credibility.
Nwaoboshi, also a prominent APC member in Delta State, had earlier criticised the committee’s recommendations, arguing that they could deepen existing divisions within the party rather than foster unity.
“The reconciliation committee, instead of uniting the party, has further polarised it,” Nwaoboshi said during an interview at his Ibusa residence.
He continued, “As someone with a long history in politics, I know the importance of adhering to party constitutions. Unfortunately, the committee is proposing leadership structures that are not recognised by our party’s constitution, which is a recipe for chaos.”
Nwaoboshi specifically took issue with the recommendation to create leadership councils at various levels of the party, claiming that these councils are not constitutionally mandated. He warned, “Creating an extra organ outside the provisions of the constitution will only create more crises.”
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He urged the APC leadership to prioritise “genuine reconciliation and adherence to the party’s constitution,” emphasising that the Delta APC needed unity and strategic leadership instead of what he termed “unconstitutional proposals serving personal interests.”
In response, Orubebe expressed disappointment over Nwaoboshi’s criticism, accusing the senator of failing to engage with the committee’s work.
“Nwaoboshi, as a member of the reconciliation committee, failed to actively participate in its activities, including meetings and consultations,” Orubebe said. “Ordinarily, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi has no moral right to comment on the committee’s report. He was a member of the committee but never attended any of the meetings or visitations. To ensure inclusivity, we even visited him in his home, but he remained nonchalant.”
The former minister commended the committee’s efforts, describing its recommendations as innovative and actionable steps to resolve the longstanding issues within Delta APC.
“This is the very first time a committee has boldly provided actionable ideas to move Delta APC forward,” Orubebe noted. “When the constitution fails to resolve crises, conventions are used as solutions. This has worked at international levels and in other parts of Nigeria. Senator Nwaoboshi’s position is not only wrong but also uninformed.”
He highlighted the reconciliation committee’s focus on recognising leadership structures at the unit, ward, local government, and state levels as a strategy to strengthen the party.
“Politics is about managing people and their interests. You can’t do it alone. You must work toward the common interest of the people, and that is the strength of the Emerhor-led committee’s report. It positions the party to face future battles,” Orubebe said.
He added that the reconciliation process was aimed at addressing past shortcomings and charting a strategic course for future elections.