With less than a month to the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Delta Central, fresh indications have emerged that former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, and prominent party chieftain, O'tega Emerhor, may be reconsidering their ambitions to contest the seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Multiple sources within the party suggest that both political figures are facing mounting internal pressure to step aside, amid concerns about their chances in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive primary contest. The development comes as the incumbent lawmaker, Ede Dafinone, continues to consolidate support within the party, positioning himself as a formidable candidate to retain the ticket.
Insiders familiar with the situation disclosed that Omo-Agege and Emerhor have struggled to secure crucial endorsements from influential stakeholders at the national level of the All Progressives Congress. Their inability to obtain backing from key decision-makers in Abuja is said to have significantly weakened their confidence heading into the primaries.
According to party sources, both aspirants had initially banked on leveraging their longstanding relationships within the APC’s national leadership to secure a consensus arrangement that would guarantee them the senatorial ticket. However, those efforts appear to have hit a dead end, leaving them exposed to the uncertainties of a direct primary election.
A senior APC member in Delta State, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, revealed that the duo is increasingly wary of facing a potential defeat at the polls. “There is a real fear of political embarrassment,” the source said. “Without a consensus agreement in place, they would have to test their popularity in a free and fair primary, and the current mood within the party does not favour them.”
The source further explained that the growing popularity of Senator Dafinone among both longstanding members and newer entrants into the party has altered the political equation in Delta Central. “Dafinone has quietly built a strong grassroots network. He has the support of critical blocs within the party, and that makes him a difficult opponent to dislodge,” the source added.
Findings indicate that Omo-Agege, who was the APC governorship candidate in Delta State during the 2023 elections, had made attempts to persuade the party’s national leadership to intervene in his favour. Some party stakeholders claim that he sought a form of compensation for his previous electoral efforts by pushing for a consensus endorsement. However, those moves have reportedly not yielded the desired outcome.
Similarly, Emerhor, a founding figure in the Delta APC and a respected financier of the party, is said to have explored multiple avenues to position himself as the preferred candidate. Despite his influence and contributions to the party’s growth in the state, sources say his efforts to secure a sole candidacy arrangement have also failed to gain traction.
Chief James Etabunor, an APC chieftain in the state, alleged that both men had been actively lobbying behind the scenes but have so far been unable to secure firm assurances. According to him, the lack of endorsement has created uncertainty around their political calculations, making it increasingly difficult for them to commit fully to the race.
Political observers note that the shifting dynamics within the Delta APC may be a key factor in the current situation. Over the years, the party has experienced internal realignments, with emerging leaders and new members gradually reshaping its structure. Analysts believe that this evolution has diminished the once-dominant influence of established figures like Omo-Agege and Emerhor.
“One of the biggest challenges they face now is the erosion of their control over the party machinery at the state level,” a political analyst based in Asaba said. “The APC in Delta is no longer the same as it was a few years ago. Power has become more diffused, and new actors have stepped into influential roles.”
The analyst added that without a strong grip on the party structure, it becomes increasingly difficult for any aspirant to navigate the complexities of a primary election. “In such a scenario, grassroots support and delegate alignment become critical, and that is where Dafinone appears to have an edge,” he said.
As the countdown to the primary election continues, tension is reportedly building among party members and supporters in Delta Central. Many are closely watching the next moves of the two aspirants, whose decisions could significantly impact the direction of the contest.
Sources indicate that if the anticipated endorsements from the national leadership do not materialise in the coming days, both Omo-Agege and Emerhor may ultimately opt not to purchase the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms. Such a move would effectively signal their withdrawal from the race, even before the formal commencement of the contest.
While neither Omo-Agege nor Emerhor has publicly confirmed plans to step down, their relative silence in recent weeks has fueled speculation about their political intentions. Party insiders say consultations are still ongoing, and a final decision may be announced soon.
For now, the political landscape in Delta Central remains fluid, with the APC primary shaping up to be a defining moment for the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Whether the two seasoned politicians will proceed with their ambitions or bow to mounting pressure to withdraw remains to be seen, but their next steps are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the race.
