Emerhor, Mariere, Egbo Hail Peaceful APC Delta Central Primary As Dafinone Defeats Omo-Agege

Founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has praised the peaceful and orderly conduct of the party’s Delta Central senatorial primary, describing the exercise as free, fair, and credible.

Speaking to journalists at Evwreni Ward 8 in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Emerhor commended party members for demonstrating maturity throughout the process despite the keen contest between incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone and former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu and Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori for ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.

According to Emerhor, supporters of both camps conducted themselves peacefully, even as Evwreni voted overwhelmingly in support of Senator Dafinone.

“First, let me congratulate our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing a level playing field for all members of the party. I also want to commend the Governor of the state for ensuring that, at the ward level and every other level, everyone had a fair and equal opportunity to participate.

“We had two candidates — our current senator, Senator Ede Dafinone, and our former senator, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. The primary election was peaceful. Naturally, where there are two candidates, there will be two groups of supporters, but Evwreni voted overwhelmingly for Senator Ede Dafinone.

“People came out peacefully, supporters from both sides embraced one another afterward, and there was no quarrel. Those who came to vote already knew that Evwreni stands firmly with Ede Dafinone.

“The party faithful turned out massively. I cannot officially announce the results because that responsibility lies with the returning officers and due process must be followed. However, the videos are already circulating, and they clearly show that Evwreni came out en masse to vote for the APC and for Senator Ede Dafinone.

“Other party leaders from Evwreni are also here, and perhaps some of them can also say a few words. Thank you.”

Also speaking, Hon. Samuel Mariere described the primary as peaceful and massively attended, noting that APC members turned out in large numbers across the area.

“Our leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has already said it all. It was a very peaceful exercise, and the turnout was massive — truly massive. It’s unfortunate you arrived a little late; otherwise, you would have witnessed it firsthand. We have never seen this kind of turnout before.

“Like Donald Trump would say, ‘You’ve never seen anything like this.’ The turnout was astonishing. APC members came out in overwhelming numbers. You have the videos, and I will also send some of them to you.

“Everything was conducted peacefully. People queued in an orderly manner, and the votes were counted transparently. Unlike my leader, who chose not to mention figures, I can only speak on what I personally witnessed. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege received 31 votes, while Senator Ede Dafinone received 561 votes. The counting was done openly there at the venue.

“I am not officially announcing results, but I am simply stating what I saw. My leader is being diplomatic, as expected of a leader, but I am speaking as someone who participated directly in the exercise.

“The entire process was peaceful, and I must use this opportunity to say that Evwreni has always spoken with one voice. We are a community that respects leadership. We have one political leader in Evwreni — Olorogun O’tega Emerhor. Wherever he goes, we follow.

Speaking also, the chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Jaro Egbo, described the exercise as “a celebration of democracy,” saying the party’s decision to allow aspirants to test their popularity through direct primaries strengthened internal democracy and helped avert possible defections.

Egbo said leaders across Delta Central resolved to back Dafinone’s return to the Senate because of his loyalty to the party and commitment to building consensus within the APC.

“The support from party leaders, council chairmen, executives, and grassroots members across the eight local government areas is a clear indication that Senator Dafinone enjoys wide acceptance,” he stated.

He further applauded the peaceful nature of the primary, stressing that no violence or disruption was recorded during the exercise.

Egbo also urged Omo-Agege and his supporters to rally behind the party and support all candidates who emerged through the APC’s direct primary process.