The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has elected Chief Solomon Arenyeka, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, as its new State Chairman, following a consensus State Congress held Tuesday at the Cenotaph in Asaba.
Arenyeka’s emergence marks the culmination of a major political realignment that began in April 2025, when he led thousands of his supporters across the state to defect from the PDP to the APC, citing the need to align Delta State with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s renewed vision for Nigeria.
Below is the complete list of executives elected at the state congress:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| State Chairman | Chief Solomon Arenyeka |
| Deputy Chairman | Elder Moses Iduh |
| State Secretary | Chief Efe Uko |
| Delta Central Chairman | Chief Paulinus Akpeki |
| Delta South Chairman | Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba |
| Delta North Chairman | Engr. Daniel Ossai |
| State Organising Secretary | Elder Emmanuel Egbabor |
| State Publicity Secretary | Barr. Valentine Onojeghuo |
| State Woman Leader | Mrs. Ifeyinwa Sobotie |
| State Youth Leader | Christopher Agali |
| State Legal Adviser | Barr. John Ochala |
| State Treasurer | Chief Mrs. Grace Ojobo |
| State Financial Secretary | Mr. Kelvin Omokri |
| State Auditor | Chief Tony Odibo |
| State Welfare Secretary | Hon. Mary Emakpor |
| State Assistant Secretary | Mr. Paulinus Ominini |
| State Assistant Organising Secretary (x2) | Chief Jude Ofili, Mrs. Esther Okpako |
| State Assistant Publicity Secretary (x2) | Mr. Emma Arubi, Mr. Peter Okagbare |
| State Assistant Woman Leader (x3) | Chief Mrs. Alice Uduaghan, Mrs. Felicia Akpoveta, Mrs. Rose Oghenesivbe |
| State Assistant Youth Leader (x3) | Comrade Oghenekaro Oghenekevwe, Mr. Efe Okpara, Miss Precious Efe |
| State Ex-Officio (x6) | Chief Joseph Otuh, Chief Paulinus Akpor, Elder Sam Akpoveta, Hon. Michael Diden, Chief Mrs. Cecilia Aboh, Mr. Godwin Etumah |
The congress was presided over by the State Congress Electoral Committee chaired by Engr. Vita Abba, who declared the new executive elected after delegates affirmed the consensus candidates.
“The affirmation process was conducted in line with the party’s constitution and guidelines,” Abba said.
Before the election, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, moved a motion for the dissolution of the outgone State Working Committee led by Elder Omeni Sobotie. The motion was seconded by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and unanimously adopted by delegates.
Addressing party faithful after the inauguration, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori charged the new executive to begin immediate preparations for what he termed “total victory” in the 2027 general elections.
“Our mission is unequivocal. We must secure victory at every level – the Presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Governorship and the State House of Assembly,” Oborevwori declared.
The governor expressed confidence that Delta APC would deliver massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all party candidates in the next electoral cycle.
He commended the peaceful conduct of congresses across the state’s 270 wards, 25 local government areas, describing it as a testament to the party’s internal democracy.
“There was no imposition. What we witnessed is broad consultation, agreement and inclusiveness. This structure belongs to all of us,” he stated.
Arenyeka’s emergence as APC State Chairman is significant given his political history. Until April 2025, he served as a prominent leader in the PDP, the party that has dominated Delta State politics for decades.
His defection, along with thousands of supporters across the state, was widely seen as a game-changer for APC’s fortunes in the traditionally PDP stronghold.
Political analysts note that placing a former opposition party chairman at the helm of the APC in Delta sends a strong signal about the party’s intent to compete seriously in 2027.
Immediate past State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, urged the new leadership to lead with humility and collective purpose.