By Abel Johngold, MNIPR

The lingering leadership tussle within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has taken a new turn as Hon. (Chief) Evance Ochuko Ivwurie has issued a scathing statement against Festus Keyamo, SAN, over what he described as an unconstitutional power grab.

In his direct message to Keyamo, Ivwurie accused the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development of arbitrarily forming a “College of Leaders” as the apex decision-making body of the party in Delta State—a move he said was strongly opposed by former Deputy Senate President, Obarisi Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, and other party stakeholders.

Omo-Agege Rejected Keyamo’s ‘College of Leaders’

According to Ivwurie, Senator Omo-Agege, speaking on behalf of concerned party leaders and the APC grassroots, firmly rejected Keyamo’s group, branding it an unconstitutional and self-serving invention. He pointed out that even the APC National Working Committee (NWC) distanced itself from Keyamo’s initiative, but instead of backing down, the minister allegedly deployed local media attack dogs to defend his stance.“For Keyamo, having played a role in the removal of Senator Adams Oshiomhole as APC National Chairman, he now believes he can do whatever he wants in the name of the party,” Ivwurie wrote.

He also dismissed later attempts to equate Keyamo’s private political group to the APC’s statutory caucus, calling the comparison “laughable” and an insult to the intelligence of true party leaders.

“You Are Not a Serious Politician” – Ivwurie Mocks Keyamo’s Political Strength

Ivwurie took a direct swipe at Keyamo’s political credentials, arguing that the minister has never won an election in his polling unit and therefore lacks grassroots influence.“You cannot produce the result of any election where your party won in your unit since 1999. You are therefore not a serious politician.”

He further stated that real politicians understand the importance of party structures and respect for the constitution, unlike those who operate mainly through television appearances and media grandstanding.

Defending Omo-Agege Against Allegations of Betraying Tinubu

Ivwurie also dismissed Keyamo’s reported claim that Senator Omo-Agege worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election, calling it “hogwash”.“You mean after spending huge resources daily to secure victory, Omo-Agege went about Delta State asking people to vote for two senators but not Tinubu? That is absurd!”

He also accused Keyamo of hypocrisy, alleging that the minister never genuinely campaigned for APC in Delta and only showed up for photo opportunities during Tinubu’s rally in Warri.“You insult the grassroots who worked tirelessly for the party, yet you never did anything beyond TV appearances. Where is your conscience?”

“Omo-Agege is a Field Marshal of the Grassroots”

In his closing remarks, Ivwurie reaffirmed Senator Omo-Agege’s dominance in Delta APC, stating that Keyamo’s attempts to undermine him with false narratives will not succeed.“Every party member is a leader in their space, but true leadership is built on influence, not envy and hate. Omo-Agege remains a field marshal of the grassroots, and no amount of lies will change that.”

The statement underscores the deepening power struggle within Delta APC, with Keyamo and Omo-Agege locked in a battle for dominance ahead of future political contests in the state.