A political pressure group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Emerhor Political Family (EPF) has urged Senator Ede Dafinone to step aside ahead of the party’s primaries and back O’tega Emerhor for the Delta Central Senatorial ticket.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, EPF Chairman, Chief Martins Ohwehwo, framed the demand as a question of fairness and internal balance, rather than a critique of the incumbent’s performance.
“We consider it necessary to speak at this time given the importance of the forthcoming primaries to the APC in Delta Central and the state at large,” he said, referencing the primary schedule set by the electoral body from April 23 to May 30.
Ohwehwo pointed to events leading up to the 2023 elections, when both Dafinone and Emerhor sought the same seat under the leadership of former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
He noted that Emerhor eventually withdrew from the race in what he described as a strategic move to ensure inclusiveness.
“At that time, our principal stepped down in the interest of equity and broader party considerations. That decision reflected a high level of sacrifice and commitment to the party,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel with the current situation, Ohwehwo argued that political realities in the district have shifted in a way that justifies a similar concession from Sen. Dafinone.
He noted that the senator shares the same constituency with Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, which, in his view, raises concerns about representational balance.
“The circumstances we have today are essentially a reversal of what played out in 2023. The principle that guided the party then should guide it now,” he said.
He was, however, emphatic that the call should not be misconstrued as dissatisfaction with the senator’s record in office.
“He is performing; that is why I said it is to preserve his legacy,” Ohwehwo said.
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“If I could tell Emerhor at that time to step down for Dafinone, who was from my constituency, and he complied, it showed selflessness. Why won’t I say the same to Dafinone now? It is simply about equity.”
The EPF maintained that a voluntary withdrawal by the senator would not only demonstrate political maturity but also ease efforts by party leaders to arrive at a consensus candidate.
Ohwehwo added that the decision before Sen. Dafinone carries broader implications for how he would be judged politically.
“This is a defining moment. The choice he makes will determine how history remembers him—whether as someone who upheld honour or one who chose personal ambition,” he said.
Party primaries for the 2027 election cycle are expected to begin in the coming days, with consultations intensifying among APC stakeholders across Delta State.
