“Join APC With Humility Or Step Aside!” — Chief Emami Sends Strong Message To Political Migrants

Chief Ayiri Emami Warns Against Power Struggle in APC, Urges Tinubu to Reshuffle Cabinet, Fix South-South Projects

Chief Ayiri Emami, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State and former Deputy Director of the Election Planning and Monitoring Committee for President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign, has urged new entrants into the ruling party to approach with humility and respect for existing structures.

In a wide-ranging interview with journalists in Abuja, the businessman and philanthropist voiced concerns about internal tensions in the APC and the slow pace of policy execution under the Tinubu administration.

According to iReporter Online, Chief Emami commended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reform inherited systemic flaws but noted that the economic hardship being experienced nationwide predates Tinubu’s presidency.

He maintained that while the President is making significant strides, particularly with subsidy removal and efforts to boost internal investments, progress has been slow due to foundational issues left behind by previous administrations.

Emami emphasized that the hardship affects both rich and poor alike and called for additional palliatives to cushion its impact, especially in the Niger Delta.

He proposed converting fishing boats in the region to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to help restore economic activity. He also recommended that the President reshuffle his cabinet, asserting that only a handful of ministers have shown the energy and effectiveness needed to drive national development. “It’s not the President that will do everything himself — the people he appoints must deliver,” he stated.

Addressing political defections into the APC, Emami acknowledged that it is not unusual in democratic settings for politicians to switch parties in pursuit of strategic interests. However, he cautioned that incoming members must respect those who built the party at the grassroots level. “Nobody should be allowed to impose themselves on the party,” he said, warning that internal implosions may arise if existing party loyalists are sidelined.

According to iReporter Online, Emami strongly advised party leadership, particularly at the state level, to adopt inclusive approaches. He cited Delta State as a flashpoint, alleging that discontent is rising due to the perceived dominance of recent defectors and a lack of coordination among party leaders.

He expressed disappointment that APC figures like Festus Keyamo have made divisive remarks, saying they alienate long-standing members. “We are not comedians,” Emami said, referring to comments made about those absent from political meetings.

On constituency delineation, Emami accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of executing the process unfairly in Warri Federal Constituency.

He argued that the new ward allocations disproportionately favor certain ethnic groups and warned that such actions risk further marginalizing the Itsekiri people. “This is not just political; this is existential. We must survive,” he insisted.

Touching on national and regional development, the APC stalwart urged President Tinubu to fulfill campaign promises to the South-South, including the construction of the Omadina-Escravos Road and the revival of the Ogidigben EPZ project.

According to iReporter Online, Emami revealed that Tinubu had engaged with Chinese firms regarding the project, and meetings are expected soon to push it forward. He lamented the past diversion of allocated funds to projects in other regions and urged equitable implementation of developmental initiatives.

Despite acknowledging the growing opposition coalitions ahead of 2027, Emami expressed confidence that the APC remains unshaken. However, he stressed the need for unity within the party, warning that disillusionment from within could be more damaging than external rivals.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”