By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A stakeholders’ meeting of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) turned violent on Sunday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State. The meeting, attended by top party leaders to foster unity ahead of the 2027 elections, ended with a bloody clash outside the venue. The violence left Simon Mudi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Protocol, seriously injured. Witnesses linked the attack to a long-running feud involving Commissioner for Works, Reuben Izeze, although the APC denied any disruption to the official meeting.
Unity Meeting Ends in Chaos
Inside the conference hall, APC leaders preached reconciliation and party cohesion. The meeting attracted prominent figures, including Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Senator Ede Dafinone, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Stella Okotete and several local government chairmen.
The stakeholders met to address divisions caused by previous party primaries and strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.
However, shortly after the meeting ended, violence erupted outside the hall.
The clash occurred at a sit-out bar behind the PTI Conference Centre, where supporters who could not enter the meeting had gathered.
Simon Mudi Suffers Serious Injuries
Simon Mudi, popularly known as Temple, sustained severe injuries during the attack.
Witnesses alleged that attackers repeatedly smashed bottles on his head.
Speaking from his home in Ekakpamre while receiving treatment, Mudi described the incident as an attempted assassination.
“I don’t know how a commissioner can set up another commissioner. He came with over 50 boys. Before I could react, they started breaking bottles and stabbing me. My head was stitched in 11 different places. I thank God for saving my life,” he said.
Several other APC supporters also sustained injuries during the violence.
Feud Between Party Leaders Blamed
Party insiders claimed the violence resulted from an unresolved political rivalry between Simon Mudi and Commissioner for Works, Reuben Izeze.
According to APC sources, the disagreement intensified during consultations for the Ughelli South House of Assembly APC primary.
Mudi reportedly supported a consensus ticket for incumbent lawmaker Festus Utuama, claiming Governor Sheriff Oborevwori endorsed the arrangement.
However, Izeze allegedly rejected the claim and insisted the governor gave no such directive.
Uvwie Local Government Chairman Tony Ofoni also revealed that both men previously clashed during a funeral ceremony in Okwagbe attended by Governor Oborevwori.
He said tensions resurfaced during the PTI meeting before the violence broke out.
Witnesses Describe Attack
Tony Ofoni said he initially prevented a confrontation inside the conference hall.
According to him, Mudi and Izeze argued over seating arrangements before Izeze allegedly left the hall.
Moments later, Ofoni received reports that fighting had erupted outside.
“I ran outside and saw two people lying on the ground while another man ran with blood flowing,” he recalled.
He added that several police officers and Joint Task Force personnel were stationed at the venue but did not intervene when violence erupted outside the meeting hall.
APC Denies Meeting Was Disrupted
Forty-eight hours after the incident, the Delta APC dismissed reports linking the violence directly to its stakeholders’ meeting.
State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo described media reports as misleading and sensational.
He maintained that the stakeholders’ meeting ended peacefully without disruption.
According to him, the viral videos showing violence originated from another section of the expansive PTI complex and should not be associated with the official APC gathering.
Critics Reject Party’s Position
Social commentator Zik Gbemre rejected the party’s explanation.
He argued that security officers watched the attack without stopping it.
Gbemre insisted that the victims and alleged attackers were APC members known within the party.
He accused party leaders of protecting the party’s image instead of addressing the violence.
Delta Government Condemns Violence
The Delta State Government condemned the attack on Simon Mudi.
Commissioner for Works and Public Information Charles Aniagwu described the assault as unacceptable.
He directed security agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
Despite the directive, the Delta State Police Command had not issued an official statement several days after the incident.
Traditional Leaders Launch Peace Efforts
Community leaders from Ughievwen met at the residence of Chief Patrick Fovie in Ughevwughe to prevent further violence.
The leaders called for an immediate end to hostilities.
They also established a peace committee headed by Chief Fovie.
The committee will engage Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and encourage reconciliation among the feuding parties.
Former APC Chairman Calls for Peace
Former APC Delta Central Chairman, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, said both camps had agreed to resolve their differences peacefully.
He expressed optimism that dialogue would restore calm and strengthen party unity.
Political Implications Ahead of 2027
Although the PTI stakeholders’ meeting sought to unite the Delta APC, the violence exposed deep internal divisions.
The incident has raised concerns about the party’s ability to manage competing political interests before the 2027 elections.
Investigations continue while party leaders face growing pressure to restore confidence among members.
