Okowa, Dafinone sweep APC senatorial primaries in Delta

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State have concluded with significant outcomes, notably the decisive victory of Senator Ede Dafinone in the Delta Central district. Dafinone soundly defeated former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, securing a substantial mandate from party members. This result, announced by the APC National Assembly Primary Committee Secretary for Delta State, Nusa Amagbor, saw Dafinone garner 116,252 votes compared to his opponent's 3,643.

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Based on the authenticated results before me; Senator Ede Dafinone scored a total of 116,252 votes, his opponent scored a total of 3,643 votes.

In the Delta North senatorial district, former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa emerged victorious, as confirmed by returning officer Mr. Eugene Odo. Okowa polled an impressive 113,309 votes, significantly outnumbering his closest rival, Senator Ned Nwoko, who received 2,612 votes. Meanwhile, in Delta South, incumbent Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas was reported to be leading in six out of eight local government areas, with the final results pending closer monitoring by Independent National Electoral Commission officials.

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Having satisfied all the requirements of our great party and having secured the highest number of valid votes cast in this primary, Senator Ede Dafinone is hereby declared the winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election.

The primaries were conducted using the direct primary (Option A4) system across various wards. Party officials lauded the exercise as peaceful and well-attended, emphasizing the orderly conduct of stakeholders. Following his declaration, Senator Dafinone characterized the process as transparent, open, free, and fair, and extended an olive branch to his opponent, Senator Omo-Agege, calling for unity within the party.

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Having satisfied all the requirements of the party and having secured the highest number of valid votes cast in the primary, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is hereby declared the winner of the Delta North Senatorial District primary election.

From the perspective of Nigerian political reporting, these primaries are crucial indicators of party strength and internal dynamics ahead of general elections. The APC's adoption of the direct primary system in Delta State reflects a broader trend towards more participatory, albeit sometimes contentious, candidate selection processes. The landslide victory for Dafinone and Okowa suggests a strong endorsement of their candidacies by the party faithful. The emphasis on transparency and fairness, alongside calls for unity, are standard but important elements in the post-primary narrative, aiming to consolidate the party's position and prepare for the electoral battles ahead. The outcomes in Delta Central and North, in particular, will be closely watched as they shape the political landscape of the state.

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First of all, let me say that the process of the primaries was conducted in a manner that was transparent, open, free, and fair. Delta Central is of course, a highly political terrain…