Consensus Strategy Guides Ughelli North APC Chairmanship Choice
Party Moves to Ensure Peaceful Congress
AHEAD of the forthcoming Local Government Party Congress, the Ughelli North Local Government Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted Mr. Lucky Ofomukoro as its consensus chairman, following broad consultations among party leaders and stakeholders.
The adoption was the outcome of extensive engagements aimed at ensuring unity, inclusiveness and a rancour-free congress. The chairmanship position had earlier been zoned to Agbarha-Otor Ward, where Ofomukoro was unanimously endorsed by ward leaders.
Decision Reached at Stakeholders’ Meeting
The decision was reached during a well-attended APC Ughelli North Leaders and Stakeholders’ Meeting held on Sunday at the Local Government Council Secretariat in Ughelli. The meeting formed part of the party’s consultation process ahead of the congress.
Presiding over the meeting, Chief Fred Majemite, Vice Chairman of the APC Ughelli North Leaders Council, expressed satisfaction with the consensus achieved, describing the process as transparent and inclusive.
He explained that party leaders and elders consulted widely across wards and agreed on zoning and leadership arrangements in the overall interest of party unity.
Consensus Adopted to Avoid Conflict
According to Majemite, the adoption of Ofomukoro followed prior zoning agreements and was a deliberate effort by the party to avoid unnecessary internal conflicts.
“We deliberately chose consensus because it promotes peace and strengthens the party,” he said, adding that reconciliation committees were constituted to resolve disagreements across wards.
He disclosed that about 90 per cent of issues identified during consultations had already been resolved, assuring that the remaining minor concerns would be addressed before the congress.
Calls for Inclusiveness and Continued Consultation
Also speaking, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Chief Jaro Egbo, commended party leaders for embracing dialogue and compromise, describing consensus-building as a healthy democratic process.
He urged party stakeholders to remain inclusive and continue consultations at ward level to ensure that no group feels excluded.
Egbo revealed that 55 stakeholders, drawn from five leaders in each of the eleven wards, were invited to the meeting, noting that attendance was near total.
Outgoing Chairman Applauds Unity
Outgoing APC Chairman in Ughelli North, Hon. Samuel Evwighono, described the meeting as a clear demonstration of unity and shared purpose within the party.
He advised the incoming leadership to prioritise reconciliation, stressing that unity remains the strongest foundation of any political organisation.
Women leaders Engr. Christabel Obiuwevbi and Olorogun Alice Ikpen also expressed satisfaction with the process, highlighting the representation of women from every ward as a positive step towards inclusive leadership.
With the adoption of Lucky Ofomukoro, party leaders expressed optimism that the Ughelli North APC is well-positioned for a peaceful congress and stronger cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
