Oborevwori Promised Neutrality in Delta Primaries — APC Chieftain
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Ayirimi Emami, claims Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori promised neutrality in the party's upcoming primaries.
- Emami presented his preferred candidates for various Delta State legislative positions to the governor.
- The governor reportedly stated that aspirants should proceed through party primaries, indicating a commitment to neutrality.
In a significant development for Delta State politics, Chief Ayirimi Emami, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has revealed assurances from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori regarding neutrality in the party's forthcoming primaries. This pledge of impartiality is crucial as the APC prepares for senatorial, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
I told the governor that it is Ejele (Hon. Michael Diden) I support for the Delta South Senatorial seat, Hon. Mofe Edema for Warri South Constituency I, and Dr. Andrew Igban for Warri South-West Constituency.
Chief Emami, speaking at the Ologbotsere Day celebration in Egbokodo, Warri, disclosed that he had personally presented his preferred candidates for key Delta South Senatorial District and Warri-based constituencies to Governor Oborevwori. The governor's response, according to Emami, was a clear commitment to neutrality, emphasizing that all aspirants should contest through the established party primary elections.
This stance is particularly noteworthy given the political landscape of Delta State. The governor's assurance suggests a move towards a more democratic and transparent internal party process, allowing party members to choose their flagbearers through a competitive electoral system. Emami's support for specific candidates, including Hon. Michael Diden for Delta South Senatorial seat, Hon. Mofe Edema for Warri South Constituency I, and Dr. Andrew Igban for Warri South-West Constituency, underscores his active involvement in shaping the party's future leadership.
He said we should go for the primary elections. That means neutrality.
Furthermore, Emami addressed the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that while acceptable, it must adhere to due legal procedures. He also reiterated the commitment of the Itsekiri people to peaceful coexistence with neighboring ethnic groups, urging security agencies to remain vigilant against any threats. The backing of key figures like the Olorogun of Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri National Youth Council for Emami's political choices signals a unified front in the pursuit of credible leadership for the 2027 elections.
Itsekiri is not against ward and unit delineation, but the legal process must be followed.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.