APC chieftain demands N100m damages from party chairman over exclusion from stakeholders’ meeting

The Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Chief (Hon.) Andrew Oghene-Aga Orugbo, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Udu Local Government Area, Mr. David Rheriobore, demanding a public apology over his alleged exclusion from a recent party stakeholders’ meeting.

In a letter written on his behalf by Ikimi Oghenejabor & Co and addressed to the Udu APC chairman, Orugbo described himself as a registered member and recognised leader of the party in Ward Three, Udu Local Government Area, with decades of political and professional experience.

The letter, dated February 13, 2026, stated that Rheriobore convened a stakeholders’ meeting on February 11 at the local government council secretariat to select members of the Udu LGA executive committee. It alleged that although about 80 prominent party stakeholders were listed and invited through a notice circulated on social media, Orugbo’s name was deliberately omitted.

According to his lawyers, the exclusion was calculated to diminish his political standing and portray him as irrelevant within the party’s local structure. They claimed the omission caused embarrassment, reputational harm and emotional distress, as he had received several inquiries from associates and party members questioning his absence from the meeting.

The letter further described the action as false, malicious and defamatory, arguing that it lowered him in the estimation of party members and the public.

Orugbo is demanding a written public apology addressed to him and published in at least two widely read newspapers in Delta State, as well as on the same social media platforms where the meeting notice appeared. He is also seeking N100 million as damages for alleged injury to his reputation.

His lawyers warned that failure to meet the demands within seven days would result in legal action, including claims for aggravated and exemplary damages.

Reacting to the development, Rheriobore said the issue would be resolved internally and amicably. He explained that the party has many leaders and stakeholders, adding that invitations to meetings are often extended on a rotational basis.

He noted that he had no intention of engaging in a legal battle, expressing confidence that party elders would settle the matter soon.