Concerns Mount Over Alleged Marginalisation Of New APC Members In Ogbia

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has raised concerns over what he described as the marginalisation of newly defected members of the party in Ogbia Local Government Area.

Ikuli called on the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, to urgently intervene in the situation.

In a statement issued on April 30, 2026, Ikuli alleged that individuals who recently defected to the APC are being treated unfairly by longstanding members of the party in the area.

He claimed that a division exists between older members—whom he described as seeing themselves as the “owners” of the party—and the new entrants, resulting in an environment that excludes and sidelines the latter.

According to him, the alleged imbalance was evident during the party’s ward, local government, and state congresses, where he said established members secured over 92 percent of executive positions, leaving little room for inclusivity.

Ikuli further warned against what he termed the “conqueror mentality” in party politics, stressing that no indigene of Ogbia should be treated as inferior on account of political alignment or loyalty.

He urged party leaders and stakeholders to promote unity, fairness, and inclusiveness within the APC, particularly in Ogbia, to ensure cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

The statement was signed by Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, who described himself as “a worried and concerned illustrious son of Ogbia Kingdom.”