The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is currently embroiled in a deepening internal crisis as party chieftains openly disagree over the zoning of the party’s chairmanship position. What was once a quiet disagreement has now escalated into a fierce struggle, “clash of the titians” threatening party unity ahead of critical political engagements.
Investigations reveal that influential stakeholders within the party are sharply divided, with accusations and counter accusations flying across factions. The struggle for control has exposed fault lines between key leaders, many of whom are determined to protect their political interests at all costs.
At the heart of the crisis lies the fragile alliance between the “old” APC structure and the “new” entrants who joined the party through recent political realignments. While the merger was initially celebrated as a strategic move to strengthen the party, emerging events suggest the union is facing serious tests.
Sources within the party describe the situation as a “marriage under pressure,” with trust issues, power struggles, and competing ambitions fueling the ongoing rift. The zoning controversy has become a rallying point for discontent, further widening the gap between both blocs.
Political observers warn that if urgent reconciliation efforts are not initiated, the internal conflict could weaken the APC’s structure in Delta State and undermine its chances in future elections. Unity, they insist, remains the party’s strongest weapon. As tensions continue to rise, party faithful can only hope that wisdom prevails and that both the old and new APC leaders find common ground.
Many supporters are calling for prayers and genuine dialogue to keep the party united and focused on its collective vision for Delta State.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the apex sociocultural youth organisation of the Igbo people worldwide, has called on the National Assembly to urgently enact a law making the real time electronic transmission of election results mandatory, warning that failure to do so could further undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, the group urged the 10th National Assembly, under the leadership of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to carefully consider the national implications of any decision capable of weakening transparency and credibility in future elections.
According to the council, the proposed bill on mandatory real time transmission of results reflects the collective aspirations of Nigerians for credible elections, stressing that any attempt to weaken or frustrate the legislation would be viewed by citizens as a deliberate move to sustain electoral malpractice and political injustice.
Comr. Igboayaka described the 2027 general election as a defining moment for the country and for the South-East in particular, noting that Igbo youths intend to mobilise massively to protect their votes and ensure that the will of the electorate is upheld at polling units, as well as at local government, state and national collation centres.
He further lamented what he described as the persistent political and economic marginalisation of Ndigbo, attributing much of the frustration and agitation in the region to the failure of past and present Igbo political leaders to deliver meaningful development in Igboland since the return to democracy in 1999.
The youth leader, however, urged young people and various pro-Igbo and pro-Biafra advocacy groups to direct their grievances and demands for accountability primarily at elected Igbo office holders, including governors, legislators and local government chairmen, whom he accused of frustrating economic growth and political progress in the region.
Reaffirming the council’s commitment to peaceful and lawful civic engagement, Comrade Igboayaka warned youths against being used for ballot snatching or electoral violence, stressing that the future of Igboland lies in disciplined participation, voter education and collective resistance to electoral corruption and political manipulation.
He concluded by calling on progressive Igbo youths and lovers of freedom to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing the forthcoming 2027 electoral participation in Igboland as a people driven democratic movement, aimed at enthroning credible and development-oriented leadership through the power of the ballot.
Asaba – The Management and Staff of Royal Palace Lodge, Asaba , have congratulated the newly elected Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Dr. Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor, SAN, on his emergence as the party’s substantive chairman.
In a congratulatory message made available to AjAZIRALReport Newspaper on Tuesday, the management described Dr. Mrakpor’s emergence as timely and well deserved, noting that his vast experience, integrity and commitment to democratic values clearly distinguish him as a leader of uncommon capacity.
According to the statement, Dr. Mrakpor’s long standing service to the party and the people of Delta State has continued to inspire confidence among party faithful and stakeholders, particularly at a time when purposeful leadership is required to strengthen unity and reposition the PDP for greater electoral success.
The management further commended the new chairman for his record of professionalism, dedication and inclusive approach to leadership, expressing strong optimism that his tenure would usher in renewed vigour, discipline and strategic direction within the party across the state.
Royal Palace Lodge, Asaba management noted that the emergence of Dr. Mrakpor represents a fresh opportunity for the PDP to consolidate its structures at the grassroots and deepen public trust in the party’s commitment to good governance and people oriented policies in Delta State.
The statement concluded with prayers for wisdom, strength and continued success for Dr. Peter Adogbejiri Mrakpor, SAN, as he assumes the responsibility of steering the affairs of the PDP in Delta State to greater heights.
The Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance (UEPA) has warmly congratulated His Royal Majesty, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, JP, OON, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, on the occasion of his 18th anniversary on the sacred throne of his forefathers.
In the same message of goodwill, the alliance also extended its felicitations to His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Agbarha Warri Kingdom, HRM Kingsley Orere, distinguished chiefs, members of the royal families, friends and well wishers who joined the Uvwie Kingdom in celebrating the remarkable milestone of the revered monarch.
UEPA described the reign of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso as outstanding, peaceful and people centred, noting that the monarch has continued to demonstrate exemplary leadership, cultural pride and uncommon commitment to the unity and development of the Uvwie Kingdom and the wider Urhobo nation.
The group stated that the 18 years of Abel I on the throne have further strengthened traditional institutions in the kingdom and reinforced respect for Urhobo heritage, values and identity across Delta State and beyond.
According to the alliance, UEPA stands firmly with HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe I, whom it described as one of the foremost and most respected Urhobo monarchs of this generation, and commended his fatherly role in promoting peace, dialogue and harmony among communities.
The message was contained in a joint press statement signed by the Chairman of UEPA, Comrade Frederick Umuerure, and the Secretary, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, in which the body prayed for renewed strength, good health, divine wisdom and a longer, peaceful and more impactful reign for His Royal Majesty and the royal institution of Uvwie Kingdom.
Warri – The Otota of Great Ughelli Kingdom, Olorogun Peter Tobore Akpofure, has congratulated the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, on the occasion of his 18th coronation anniversary.
Akpofure, in a goodwill message made available to journalists in Ughelli on Friday, described the monarch as one of the most respected and outstanding traditional rulers in Delta Central.
He said the reign of HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, has been marked by courage, discipline and uncommon commitment to the growth and stability of Uvwie Kingdom and its neighbouring communities.
The most disciplined and notable Ughelli chief noted that the Uvwie monarch has continued to demonstrate firm leadership and boldness in addressing critical issues affecting his people, while maintaining peace and harmony across the kingdom.
According to the Ughelli Otota, that the monarch’s leadership style has earned him admiration within and outside Delta State, and has positioned Uvwie Kingdom as a reference point for traditional governance in the Urhobo nation.
Akpofure prayed God to grant the Ovie of Uvwie more years on the throne in good health, with renewed wisdom, vision and strength to further promote development, unity and progress across Uvwie Kingdom and the entire Urhobo land.
The Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Olorogun Solomon Okporua Ighrakpata, has congratulated the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON, on the occasion of his 18th coronation anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to AjAZIRALReport Newspaper, Olorogun Ighrakpata described the monarch as one of the most visionary and outstanding traditional rulers in Delta State, whose reign has continued to bring stability, progress and renewed confidence to the Uvwie Kingdom.
He commended the Ovie for his exemplary uprightness, fatherly leadership and unwavering commitment to the peace and unity of the kingdom, noting that these rare qualities have helped to strengthen communal harmony and traditional institutions across Uvwie land.
According to the revenue board chairman, the royal father’s timely counsel and strategic guidance to government officials, community leaders and stakeholders have remained instrumental to the steady socio-economic growth and development of the Uvwie people.
Olorogun Ighrakpata further applauded the monarch’s consistent efforts in promoting dialogue, youth engagement and cultural values, describing His Majesty as a dependable bridge between the government and the grassroots.
He prayed for God’s continued guidance, greater wisdom and sound health for the royal father, while also wishing the Uvwie Kingdom enduring peace, unity and sustained progress under the reign of His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I.
Olorogun Fred Okiemute Majemite, two time fmr. Commissioner, has congratulated the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON, on the occasion of his 18th coronation anniversary, describing the landmark celebration as a reflection of visionary traditional leadership, peace and an enduring legacy in Uvwie land.
Majemite, in a congratulatory message issued through Majemite Media, commended the monarch for his steadfast commitment to unity, stability and progressive development of the kingdom since his ascension to the revered royal stool, noting that the reign of Abe I has continued to strengthen harmony among the people.
He stated that the Ovie’s leadership style, anchored on wisdom, dialogue and inclusiveness, has earned him deep respect across Uvwie Kingdom and beyond, adding that the monarch has remained a dependable pillar in promoting peaceful coexistence and cultural pride among his subjects.
Majemite further noted that the 18th coronation anniversary stands as a remarkable testimony to the monarch’s resilience and dedication to the preservation of Uvwie traditions, values and identity, while also supporting modern development initiatives within the kingdom.
The former commissioner also applauded His Royal Majesty for using his exalted position to encourage youth empowerment, community cooperation and respect for constituted authority, describing him as a symbol of dignity and responsible traditional governance in Delta State.
Uvwie Kingdom is expected to host a grand royal gathering as part of activities marking the anniversary, during which the revered monarch, His Royal Majesty Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso, Abe I, JP, OON, will unveil his biography, further immortalising his reign and contributions to the growth and unity of Uvwie Kingdom.
Energy sustainability is central to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and social wellbeing. Despite having an installed generation capacity in excess of 13,625 MW, only around 41 % of this capacity was available for dispatch in mid‑2025, leaving more than half of the nation’s generation infrastructure underutilized due to market, transmission, and demand constraints.
This persistent gap has contributed to chronic power shortages, unreliable supply, and heavy reliance on costly self‑generation. Bridging this gap demands not just recovery of generation assets, but also systematic transmission reinforcement, smarter commercial strategies, and sustained institutional leadership. Central to this effort is the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Jennifer Adighije.
Understanding the Nigerian Power Challenge Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with structural inefficiencies. While generation companies can technically produce thousands of megawatts, the country’s transmission network historically struggles to evacuate power reliably to demand centres. Frequent grid disturbances are a stark symptom of these weaknesses. In 2024 and 2025, the national grid experienced numerous collapses, with at least four major incidents in 2025 alone, and repeated partial collapses continuing into early 2026.
These breakdowns often occur when voltage or frequency deviates from operational norms, forcing protective trips that drop generation to near zero and leave many Distribution Companies (Discos) with no allocation.
Impact of Transmission Constraints and Grid Collapses The consequences of transmission constraints and grid instability ripple across the sector:
For Discos: • Transmission bottlenecks restrict the volume of power Discos receive, compounding existing liquidity issues caused by poor customer payment performance and legacy debts.
• Erratic supply makes planning and operations unpredictable, increasing commercial losses and weakening creditworthiness.
For Consumers: • Households face frequent outages, which accelerate wear and tear on appliances, increase reliance on diesel generators, and raise living costs.
• Businesses endure higher operational costs and lower productivity due to unstable electricity; Nigeria’s unreliable grid has been cited in broader analyses as part of the reason countries with similar GDP profiles deliver far more consistent power.
For the Economy: • Frequent outages and inconsistent supply deter investment, particularly in manufacturing and technology sectors that need reliable power.
• The export‑driven segments of the economy face higher risk premiums due to energy insecurity.
NDPHC’s Strategic Role and Progress The Niger Delta Power Holding Company was established to fast‑track critical generation, transmission, and distribution assets through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP). Though much of its installed capacity historically remained idle, under Engr. Jennifer Adighije’s leadership, NDPHC has made measurable progress:
• Recovered Generation Capacity: Through targeted maintenance and comeback of dormant turbine units, NDPHC has contributed an additional 625 MW to the national grid from units across Calabar, Omotosho, Sapele, and Ihovbor plants.
• Geregu Maintenance Completion: The company restored 450 MW to the grid following extended scheduled maintenance of the Geregu NIPP plant, improving reliability and extending equipment life.
• Stranded Electricity Commercialization: NDPHC is preparing to commercialize about 200 MW of its stranded capacity through new power purchase agreements with eligible off‑takers, enabled by reforms in the Electricity Act, to improve liquidity and reduce reliance on Discos alone.
These strategic interventions reflect an asset‑optimization focus rather than raw capacity expansion, aligning NDPHC’s contribution with what the grid and market can currently absorb. They also signal improved governance, commercial discipline, and responsiveness to market reforms.
A Formal Policy Brief: Strategic Recommendations for Nigeria’s Energy Sustainability To translate technical gains into systemic impact, Nigeria must adopt a coordinated, multi‑layered approach. Below are key actionable recommendations:
Transmission Reinforcement as a Priority • Expand grid evacuation capacity to consistently handle >10,000 MW, with targeted upgrades at key bottlenecks.
• Automate grid protection systems to reduce unnecessary tripping and enhance fault isolation.
• Encourage private investment in transmission infrastructure through clear revenue models and partial risk guarantees.
Rationale: Even as generation capacity increases, without a robust transmission backbone, capacity remains stranded, and grid stability remains elusive.
Promote Embedded and Decentralized Generation • Incentivize grid‑connected solar, hybrid, and mini‑grid projects in urban and peri‑urban areas.
• Enable Discos and private providers to develop embedded generation partnerships with industrial clusters.
Rationale: Reduces pressure on the centralized grid and enhances local reliability, lowering emergency generator dependency.
Strengthen Market Mechanisms and Payment Discipline • Fully implement cost‑reflective tariffs with targeted protection for vulnerable consumers.
• Rationalize the market settlement process to ensure timely payment flows to generators and avoid cash‑flow bottlenecks.
Rationale: Financial viability of Discos and GenCos underpins predictable electricity supply.
Enhance Operational and Commercial Governance at NDPHC • Continue developing bilateral power sales agreements with creditworthy consumers to reduce stranded capacity.
• Expand partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for rapid maintenance response and inventory readiness.
Rationale: Converts idle capacity into revenue‑generating power, strengthening company sustainability.
Integrate Storage and Renewable Solutions • Prioritize grid‑scale and distributed storage pilot projects to manage peak demand and enhance voltage stability.
• Include energy storage feasibility and procurement in national infrastructure plans.
Rationale: Smooths intermittent generation and improves overall grid resilience.
Conclusion Nigeria’s sustainable energy future depends on more than generation capacity, it requires a grid that can evacuate and deliver power reliably, a market that remunerates value appropriately, and institutional leadership that drives pragmatic, measurable outcomes.
Under Engr. Jennifer Adighije’s leadership, NDPHC’s progress in asset recovery, commercial strategy, and infrastructure support signals that meaningful transformation is possible. Coupled with the structural reforms recommended above, Nigeria can move closer to a stable, resilient, and inclusive energy system, one that powers economic growth and improves quality of life for all Nigerians.
The Chief Executive Assistant to the Delta State Government on Diaspora Matters, Chief Mrs Grace Aghoghovbia, has warmly congratulated the First Lady of Delta State, Her Excellency, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, on the occasion of her birthday anniversary.
In a goodwill message made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, Chief Mrs Aghoghovbia described the First Lady as a dependable friend, compassionate leader and a woman of uncommon grace whose life continues to inspire hope and unity among women and families across the state.
She said the birthday of Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori provides another opportunity to celebrate a virtuous woman who has remained steadfast in her commitment to humanitarian service, moral leadership and the promotion of peace and social harmony in Delta State. According to her, the First Lady’s strong support for the policies and vision of her husband,
Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has contributed immensely to the stability and people-oriented governance being experienced across the state. Chief Mrs Aghoghovbia further commended the First Lady for her motherly role, humility and dedication to the empowerment of women, youths and the vulnerable, noting that her quiet but impactful interventions have touched many lives within and outside Delta State.
She prayed for God’s continued protection, sound health and renewed strength for Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, wishing her many more years of fulfilment, service to humanity and greater accomplishments in her noble support to the development of Delta State.
The Director General,(DG) Delta State Security, Hon. David Tonwe, has joined well meaning Nigerians and indigenes of Delta State to celebrate the Wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, on the occasion of her birthday anniversary.
In a congratulatory message made available to Big Ocean Newspaper on Wednesday, Tonwe described the Delta First Lady as a woman of uncommon grace, compassion and dedication to the welfare of the people of the state.
He said Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori has continued to distinguish herself through her quiet but impactful humanitarian interventions, especially in the areas of women empowerment, child development and social support for the vulnerable across Delta State.
The security chief noted that the First Lady’s personal lifestyle and public conduct reflect strong moral values, humility and commitment to service, which, according to him, have earned her wide respect within and outside the state.
Tonwe, while congratulating her on the milestone, urged Deltans, particularly young ladies, to emulate the virtues of discipline, selflessness, resilience and integrity which he said the celebrant exemplifies in both private and public life.
He prayed for good health, renewed strength and divine wisdom for Deaconess Mrs Tobore Oborevwori, expressing confidence that she would continue to support the Governor in advancing peace, unity and inclusive development in Delta State.
AljaziralPress 