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By Our Correspondent

Tension is gradually building within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oshimili South Local Government Area following the disqualification of House of Assembly aspirant, Barr Anthony Nsugbe, from the party’s screening process ahead of the primaries for the Delta State House of Assembly election.

Supporters and stakeholders aligned with the aspirant have described the decision as unfair and inconsistent with the principles of internal democracy, insisting that Barr Nsugbe fully complied with the screening requirements and deserved the opportunity to contest the primaries.

The development has now escalated into a direct appeal to the Executive Governor of Delta State and party leadership at both state and national levels, urging intervention in the matter to ensure fairness and party unity.

In an open letter now circulating among party stakeholders and political observers, supporters of Barr Nsugbe stated that the legal practitioner appeared before the screening committee with all requested documents, including his Tax Clearance Certificate and Call to Bar Certificate, while also complying with instructions given during the exercise.

The letter noted that Barr Nsugbe carried himself “with dignity, calmness, and respect deserving of a loyal party member,” expressing surprise that he was disqualified despite reportedly meeting the stipulated requirements.

Drawing parallels with the Governor’s own political history, the stakeholders reminded him of periods during his time in the PDP when legal and institutional mechanisms helped resolve political challenges around his aspirations.

According to the group, Barr Anthony Nsugbe and his supporters were prepared to participate in a free and credible primary election and accept the outcome if defeated, but maintained that the APC in Oshimili South should be allowed to democratically determine its candidate through open competition.

“A primary election is not a threat to the party; it is proof of the party’s democratic strength,” the letter reportedly stated.

The stakeholders also referenced the changing political climate within Oshimili South, noting that recent political defections and growing dissatisfaction among some grassroots members make it important for the party to encourage inclusion and transparency rather than create perceptions capable of discouraging participation.

Political observers within the area believe the controversy may further intensify conversations around internal democracy within the APC as the primaries approach.

The stakeholders further argued that allowing the incumbent lawmaker, Hon Bridget Anyafulu, to contest openly would strengthen the legitimacy of the eventual candidate and help deepen public confidence in the party.

They maintained that the issue goes beyond individual ambition and touches on the broader credibility of the APC in Oshimili South ahead of future elections.

Copies of the appeal were also addressed to the APC National Chairman, the National Working Committee, the Delta State APC Chairman, the Delta North Senatorial Chairman, and the Oshimili South APC leadership.

Meanwhile, supporters of Barr Anthony Nsugbe have continued to call for calm while insisting that all grievances would be pursued through peaceful and lawful party channels.