The founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has stepped down from his senatorial ambition, paving the way for the adoption of the incumbent lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, as the party’s consensus candidate for Delta Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emerhor announced his decision on Sunday at a large gathering of APC stakeholders, where he emphasized that the decision followed wide consultations within the party leadership.
“This is evident from what you have seen here today. Delta Central has come together in unity—to support our President, to support our Governor, and of course, to receive the current Senator who is here to declare his intention to serve us once again,” Emerhor said.
Clarifying his position on the race, he added: “There is no necessity to step down or to step up. I was consulting; others were also consulting. In the APC, Delta Central has only one leader—the Governor of the State—and we are all consulting with him. Today marks the climax of those consultations… after this, there will be no further consultations.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of APC in Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, affirmed that the consensus reached would be formalized at the party’s primaries.
“We will all gather just as we have done today to formally adopt Senator Dafinone during the primary elections of the party,” Akpeki said, underscoring party unity.
The endorsement drew strong backing from key stakeholders across the senatorial district, including former Senator Ighoyota Amori, who described the turnout as a clear signal of political readiness ahead of 2027.
“I am full of joy. The crowd you are seeing here today is very, very intimidating, because this could be equated to a presidential campaign… It shows clearly that we are ready for 2027,” Amori said.
Declaring support from his constituency, he added: “I speak on behalf of Ethiope East and Ethiope West, we are here to support our amiable senator… to return for a second tenure… there is nobody from Ughelli East or Ughelli West contesting, we have agreed that our senator is doing very well, and as such, he should go back.”
Amori, who previously contested the same seat against Dafinone, acknowledged the senator’s performance, stating: “I have observed him closely. Is he doing well in the Senate? Yes, he is doing very, very well.”
He further cited Dafinone’s recent elevation in the Senate as evidence of growing national recognition. “He was elevated to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs… that is a promotion… and it will benefit the entire nation,” he said, adding that party members were united regardless of the mode of primary. “Whether it is by consensus or by direct primaries, we are ready… what is important is that we are united and resolute.”
In the same vein, a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Halim Agoda, described the gathering as a defining moment for the Urhobo nation.
“This moment calls for a collective and deliberate decision… Look around you; the entire Urhobo nation is gathered here for a common purpose,” Agoda said.
He highlighted the historical contributions of the Urhobo people to national development and commended Dafinone’s performance in office.
“In the three core areas of legislative duty—lawmaking, representation, and constituency development—he has performed exceptionally well… We need him to return to the Senate to deepen his experience and contribute even more,” he stated.
Agoda also used the occasion to call for greater federal presence in the region, noting: “What remains now is for us to call on Mr. President to give Delta State and Delta Central more opportunities—especially in terms of infrastructure development and appointments.”
He further praised the state government’s development strides, referencing ongoing infrastructure projects, while reaffirming support for both federal and state leadership.
The development signals a strong consolidation of APC structures in Delta Central around Senator Dafinone, who formally declared his intention to seek re-election.
In his declaration address, Dafinone expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and reiterated his commitment to sustained development.
Read also:
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“As we look ahead, the question is clear: what kind of leadership does Delta Central need now? We need steady, thoughtful, and accountable leadership that delivers consistently,” he said.
He outlined plans to deepen economic opportunities, expand youth empowerment, and strengthen infrastructure and human capital development if re-elected.
Dafinone also emphasized alignment with national and state leadership, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for their ongoing reforms and development initiatives.
He further stated that with a formal declaration to seek re-election to the 11th National Assembly, noting that the final decision rests with the people of Delta Central.
Political observers say the consensus adoption of Dafinone reflects a strategic effort by the APC to strengthen cohesion and improve its electoral prospects in the district ahead of 2027.
