Prominent Delta politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Fred Majemite, has declared that in the forthcoming political season, only the incumbent governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori is guaranteed a return ticket, stressing that all other elective positions remain open for fair contest among party members.
Majemite made the statement during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Wednesday, where he addressed ongoing political developments within the state and the APC’s internal dynamics.
Speaking on the question of automatic tickets, Majemite was clear that aside from the governorship, every other elective position will be open for contest.
“To the best of my knowledge, it’s only for the governorship. When you have a serving governor, he must get the ticket. There is no vacancy in Osadebe House in Asaba. The governor is still the governor till 2031. In 2027, that one is done,” Majemite stated firmly.
He noted that within party structures, it is tradition for a sitting governor to be allowed to complete two terms, barring extraordinary circumstances. However, he emphasized that this precedent does not extend to other political offices.
“For all the other offices, I’m sure that anybody who is interested will go for it. Nobody has been sacrificed,” he added, dispelling rumors of imposed candidacies or internal zoning arrangements within the APC.
While not making a formal declaration, Majemite hinted at his interest in contesting for the Senate, subject to divine direction and further consultations. He pointed to his past experience, including his 2022 governorship primary bid, as evidence of his continued commitment to public service.
“Those who know me know that I have always had this desire to serve my people. Even though I lost the primaries, I didn’t take the last position. At least I did well. I’m not growing young anymore, so whatever strength we have, we have to use it to serve our people,” he said.
Majemite also acknowledged the possibility of facing incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone in a future contest, but expressed hope that a fair and open race would prevail.
“If my brother Ede Dafinone decides to run, maybe we will meet on the field if I decide to run. He did very well too, but I’m sure he may want to step aside for other persons to take it, for reasons that are deeper. For instance, in Delta Central we want it to go round,” he explained.
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Despite his personal aspirations, Majemite made it clear that his immediate political focus is to ensure the return of the current governor in 2027.
“My main concern now is to ensure that the governor returns to Osadebe House because he has a larger reach than the senator as it were. For now, the emphasis is to support him. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it,” he said.
Majemite also weighed in on the ongoing dispute over the possession of former PDP properties, stating that the massive movement of PDP structures to the APC justifies the use of such facilities.
“We are all in APC now. So what do you want the PDP Secretariat to stand for, unless you want to say there are still PDP structures in the state? But you and I know that we all moved — party, elected officers and all. It has never happened in Nigeria before,” he declared.
He revealed that the governor has now been officially recognized as the APC leader in the state, following endorsements from both old and new members of the party, including top national figures.
“The Vice President said that the governor is now the leader of the party by their constitution. And I know Ovie Omo-Agege is someone that is law-abiding… you also heard the Vice President say Ovie is my very good friend, they should carry him along and work together,” Majemite recalled.
He expressed confidence that the governor, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and Minister Festus Keyamo are now working in unity to strengthen the APC’s position in Delta State.