Egbema Youth Council Rejects APC Screening Outcome, Demands Justice for Disqualified Aspirants
The political atmosphere in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State has become increasingly charged following the strong rejection of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise by the Egbema Youth Council (EYC) Worldwide, a prominent socio-political youth body representing the interests of the Egbema people.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Warri on Thursday, the Council condemned the disqualification of several aspirants, particularly those of Ijaw/Izon extraction from Warri North, describing the exercise as unfair, politically selective, and capable of undermining the unity and democratic foundation of the ruling party in Delta State.
The statement, jointly signed by Comr. Michael Temeweikuro Desmond, Vice President of the Council; Engr. Gift Erin-Ebimi, Secretary General; and Comr. Ugure Famous, Public Relations Officer, accused the APC screening committee of failing to uphold the principles of equity, fairness, and internal democracy expected of a political party seeking the confidence of the people.
According to the Egbema Youth Council, many of the affected aspirants are respected grassroots politicians who have remained loyal to the APC over the years and have played significant roles in strengthening the party’s structure across Warri North and Delta State in general.
The Council expressed disappointment that such individuals could be allegedly sidelined through what it termed a controversial and selective screening process.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, the leadership stated that democracy can only flourish when all qualified aspirants are given equal opportunities to participate freely in the political process without intimidation, manipulation, or hidden political interests.
The EYC maintained that the outcome of the screening exercise has generated serious concerns among party supporters, youths, and stakeholders across Egbema Kingdom, many of whom now fear that the APC may be drifting away from the ideals of justice and inclusiveness.
The youth body warned that the continued exclusion of credible grassroots aspirants could trigger avoidable political tension within the party and weaken the APC’s electoral strength in Warri North ahead of future political contests.
Observers within the region believe that the controversy surrounding the screening exercise could have wider political implications if not properly addressed by the party leadership.
The Egbema Youth Council therefore called on both the national leadership of the APC and the Delta State chapter of the party to urgently review the screening outcome and ensure that justice is done to all affected aspirants.
The Council emphasized that sustainable peace and stability within the APC can only be achieved when all stakeholders are treated fairly, irrespective of ethnic background or political alignment.
The statement further stressed the need for political leaders to avoid actions capable of discouraging young people from actively participating in politics, noting that many youths are gradually showing renewed interest in democratic engagement and leadership within party structures.
Beyond politics, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, fairness, and the overall political advancement of Egbema Kingdom and the entire Warri North area.
While urging party supporters and youths to remain calm and law-abiding, the EYC insisted that its demands are driven by the desire to preserve justice, inclusiveness, and political balance within the APC.
Political analysts believe the coming days may determine whether the APC leadership will respond positively to the growing calls for reconciliation and review, especially as tensions continue to rise among supporters of the affected aspirants.
Source: Vanguard News
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
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