Delta PDP Condemns APC's Illegal Seizure of Party Secretariat in Asaba
The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong condemnation against the All Progressive Congress (APC) for what it describes as an illegal and unconstitutional takeover of its state secretariat. The PDP has called upon the Delta State APC Chairman, Solomon Areyinka, to immediately vacate the premises, which are located at WAEC Road, Off Mariam Babangida Way in Asaba.
Allegations of Unlawful Occupation and Government Complicity
According to Kingsley Akpos Oturubo, the Publicity Secretary of the Delta State PDP, the secretariat was originally acquired and built in the name of the PDP, with all legal documents bearing the party's name. He emphasized that this property was established long before the APC even existed as a political entity. Oturubo alleged that Areyinka, with the assistance of the Delta State government, has taken over the PDP secretariat, adorning it with APC colors and flags, thereby converting it for use by the opposition party.
Currently, the APC occupies two state secretariats in Delta State: one at Anwai Road, which serves as their official state office, and the other being the illegally occupied PDP secretariat. Oturubo stated, "Not only is the PDP State Secretariat illegally occupied, but some of these individuals who defected to the APC since April 2025 are still utilizing PDP bank accounts. We have already alerted the relevant anti-graft agencies to apprehend these fraudsters and recover all assets taken from our treasury."
PDP's Resolve to Reclaim Mandates and Property
Under the leadership of Dr. Peter Mrakpor, the Delta State PDP has been actively repositioning itself to reclaim its mandates at all levels of governance. Oturubo noted that those who allegedly absconded with the party's mandates have become increasingly anxious since the inauguration of Mrakpor's State Executive Committee. He firmly asserted that Areyinka is not the Chairman of the PDP in Delta State and therefore has no legal right to use property that was lawfully acquired by the PDP.
Oturubo added, "There is no state in Nigeria where a political party maintains two secretariats. This action is not only illegal but also sets a dangerous precedent for political conduct in the country." The PDP has accused the Delta State government of aiding and abetting this unlawful occupation, stressing that all documentation for the secretariat property clearly bears the PDP's name, not the APC's.
The party has vowed to pursue all legal and administrative avenues to reclaim its property and ensure that those responsible for the takeover are held accountable. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the two major political parties in Delta State, reflecting broader national political conflicts.
