By Paul Mughelle
The political landscape of Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State has been rocked by the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Executive Committee, which on Thursday, September 25, 2025, unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on the LGA chairman, Mr. Efe Amughoro, and the vice chairman, Mr. Andrew Enyure. Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Chairman of the Delta Central Senatorial District, threw his full weight behind the removal, stating that the action has his full support and blessing.
According to the minutes of the emergency meeting held on Thursday, September 25, in Oghara, the Ethiope West Executive Committee accused the embattled party leaders of dereliction of duty, gross misconduct, insubordination, forgery, misappropriation of party funds, and deliberate attempts to divide the party.
The committee declared that their conduct ran contrary to Articles 17(v), 17(vi), and 21(vi) of the APC Constitution and unanimously resolved to remove them from office with immediate effect, after what it described as exhaustive deliberations.
In a swift reaction to the development, Chief Akpeki, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent endorsing the resolution, said the action taken by the Ethiope West Executive Committee was a bold and necessary step to protect the integrity of the party and to send a clear signal that acts of misconduct will not be tolerated.
“The actions of the former Chairman and Vice Chairman were inimical to the peace and progress of our great party. We cannot afford to tolerate indiscipline, disloyalty, gross misconduct, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office at any level. APC is bigger than any individual, and discipline must be upheld at all times. The decision of the Ethiope West Executive Committee is courageous, timely, and fully in line with the APC Constitution. I stand firmly with them and commend their unity of purpose,” Akpeki declared.
He warned that any leader found engaging in activities capable of weakening the party’s structures or undermining its unity would be held accountable, regardless of status or office.
“Leadership in APC is about service, sacrifice, and loyalty to the party. Any conduct that undermines our integrity or exposes the party to ridicule will not be condoned. This action sends a clear message that APC means business,” he added.
Following their ouster, the LGA Executive Committee approved the appointment of Mr. Aboy Erukayenure, Assistant Organizing Secretary, as Acting Chairman, while Mr. Author Okeh, an Ex-Officio member, was named Acting Vice Chairman to fill the leadership vacuum pending ratification by the party’s National Convention or Congress.
Chief Akpeki assured the newly constituted leadership of his support and pledged to work closely with them to stabilize the party. He further urged them to work with all stakeholders to restore unity and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures in Ethiope West.
Ethiope West, a strategic LGA in Delta Central, is widely regarded as a crucial battleground for the APC in future elections. Political analysts say the removal of Amughoro and Enyure underscores the party’s determination to stamp out internal sabotage and project itself as a disciplined and credible political force in Delta State.
Chief Akpeki reinforced this view, stressing that the party must remain united and focused ahead of the 2027 elections. The Delta Central leader emphasized that the decision was not aimed at witch-hunting individuals but rather at protecting the party from ridicule and ensuring discipline across all levels.
“This decision is not targeted at individuals, but it is about safeguarding the image of our great party. APC must remain united, focused, and disciplined as we prepare for the challenges ahead. I urge all party faithful in Ethiope West to support the new leadership and rededicate themselves to building a stronger APC,” he stated.
Our investigations revealed that the resolution of the Ethiope West Executive Committee has been formally communicated to the State Chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie, the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Delta State Police Command.
With Akpeki’s endorsement, party sources say the removal of the two embattled leaders is effectively sealed, as the Delta Central leadership moves to consolidate APC structures in preparation for the next round of elections.
For now, the focus shifts to the ability of the acting leadership in Ethiope West to reconcile aggrieved members, rebuild trust, and reposition the party for dominance in the area.
