How Delta Central APC meeting turned bloody

For Simon Mudi, better known as Temple, the senior special assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on protocol, the past weekend's events will be etched in memory forever. On Sunday, Mudi was caught in the middle of a violent clash between supporters of two governor's aides, a confrontation that ended with him lying in a pool of blood, his head smashed repeatedly with bottles. Mudi's injuries were a stark reminder that the meeting convened by the Delta Central APC to heal its fractures had only managed to open old wounds.

The stakeholders' meeting at the PTI Conference Centre Hall in Effurun was convened to resolve the differences instigated by divisive primaries and present a united front for the 2027 elections. However, the meeting ended in chaos outside the hall, where supporters of Reuben Izeze, the commissioner for works, clashed with those of Simon Mudi, the senior special assistant to the governor on protocol. Witnesses say bottles were repeatedly smashed on Mudi's head during the melee.

The violence was not spontaneous but rather the latest chapter in a running battle between Mudi and Izeze, both from the Ughelli South Local Government Area. The animosity between the two men reportedly intensified during consultations for the APC primary for Ughelli South House of Assembly. Mudi led leaders pushing for a consensus ticket for incumbent Festus Utuama, claiming it was a directive of the Governor. Izeze, however, fired back that the governor never gave such a directive and accused Mudi of "using the name of Oborevwori to tell a lie."

The feud between Mudi and Izeze has a long history, with sources citing a previous clash during the funeral of Governor Oborevwori's aide, Sunny Kotor, at Okwagbe. The incident was said to have occurred in front of the Governor, highlighting the deep-seated animosity between the two men. The situation escalated further at the PTI Conference Centre Hall, where Uvwie Local Government Chairman, Tony Ofoni, attempted to intervene but was too late to prevent the violence.

The Delta Central APC's internal struggles have been a recurring theme in recent times. The party's efforts to present a united front for the 2027 elections have been hampered by divisive primaries and personal feuds between party leaders. The recent clash between Mudi and Izeze is a stark reminder of the party's deep-seated problems.

As the APC struggles to recover from the recent violence, the party must take a hard look at its internal struggles and work towards reconciliation. The party's leaders must take steps to address the deep-seated animosity between party members and work towards presenting a united front for the 2027 elections. The recent clash between Mudi and Izeze is a wake-up call for the party to address its internal struggles and work towards a more cohesive and united organization.

As I reflect on the recent events, it is clear that the Delta Central APC's internal struggles are far from over. The party's decision to convene a stakeholders' meeting to heal its fractures was a step in the right direction, but the recent violence has only managed to open old wounds. The party's leaders must take a more proactive approach to addressing the deep-seated animosity between party members and work towards presenting a united front for the 2027 elections.