As political activities gradually begin to gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, fresh calls for equity, fairness, and rotational balance have emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly regarding the Delta Central Senatorial seat.
A prominent party stakeholder and grassroots mobilizer, Hon. Pastor Prince Mayor O Mayor, who identifies himself as the pioneer chairman of all ward chairmen of the APC in Delta State, has publicly appealed for what he describes as “justice and reciprocity” in the zoning of the party’s senatorial ticket. His position reflects growing internal conversations within the party over how best to manage political interests while maintaining unity in Delta Central, a region largely dominated by the Urhobo ethnic nationality.
At the heart of the appeal is support for Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, a founding figure of the APC in Delta State and a former senatorial candidate. According to the statement, Emerhor played a pivotal role in establishing the party’s presence in the state at a time when it had little or no structure. He is credited with investing personal resources, time, and political capital to build the APC from the ground up, long before it became competitive in Delta politics.
The appeal also revisits events leading up to the 2023 elections, noting that Emerhor made what has been described as a significant political sacrifice by stepping aside for Senator Ede Dafinone, who eventually secured the party’s ticket and won the Delta Central Senatorial seat. Observers within the party have interpreted that decision as a strategic move aimed at maintaining balance within the Urhobo political structure at the time.
According to proponents of the new call, the decision was influenced by the candidacy of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who contested the governorship election under the APC platform in 2023. Both Omo-Agege and Emerhor are from Ughelli North Local Government Area, and it was argued that allowing both the governorship candidate and the senatorial candidate to emerge from the same locality could create perceptions of political imbalance. Emerhor’s withdrawal was therefore framed as a move to promote inclusiveness and prevent concentration of power.
Now, with the next electoral cycle approaching, party stakeholders are calling for what they describe as a continuation of that principle of fairness. Specifically, they argue that Senator Dafinone should consider stepping aside in 2027 to allow Emerhor to contest, thereby ensuring a form of rotational justice within the district.
The argument is further strengthened by current political alignments within Delta Central. Analysts note that Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent governor of Delta State, hails from Okpe Local Government Area, while Senator Dafinone is from Sapele Local Government Area. Both local governments fall within the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie (OSU) Federal Constituency.
Supporters of Emerhor contend that allowing the senatorial seat to remain within the same federal constituency as the governorship could raise concerns about equitable distribution of political offices. In contrast, Emerhor, who is from Ughelli North Local Government Area, is seen as representing a different axis within Delta Central, thereby offering a broader sense of inclusion.
Hon. Mayor, in his appeal, emphasized that the issue goes beyond individual ambition and instead touches on the broader need for unity and fairness within the Urhobo nation. He argued that political decisions should reflect collective interests rather than sectional dominance, warning that failure to uphold such principles could undermine cohesion within the party and the region at large.
Grassroots sentiment, according to the statement, appears to favor Emerhor’s potential return to the senatorial race. While such claims remain subject to broader political validation, they highlight the importance of local support in shaping party decisions ahead of primaries. Political observers note that early endorsements and advocacy campaigns often play a significant role in influencing internal party dynamics, especially in highly competitive regions like Delta Central.
The appeal also draws on cultural references to underscore its message. A traditional Urhobo proverb cited in the statement emphasizes communal benefit over individual success, suggesting that leadership choices should prioritize those capable of delivering widespread development and prosperity. This cultural framing reflects a broader trend in Nigerian politics, where appeals to tradition and collective identity are often used to strengthen political arguments.
Despite the growing calls, it remains unclear how Senator Dafinone or other potential aspirants will respond as the 2027 elections draw closer. Political analysts caution that internal party negotiations, consultations with stakeholders, and broader electoral considerations will ultimately determine the APC’s approach to candidate selection.
Furthermore, the situation highlights the ongoing challenge faced by political parties in balancing merit, loyalty, and zoning arrangements. While zoning is often used as a tool to ensure inclusiveness and prevent marginalization, it can also generate tension when multiple qualified candidates emerge from different areas seeking the same position.
As Delta Central moves toward another election cycle, the debate over equity and fairness is expected to intensify. Stakeholders within the APC and the wider political landscape will likely continue to engage in consultations aimed at preserving unity while positioning the party for electoral success.
For now, the call by Hon. Pastor Prince Mayor O Mayor adds to the evolving discourse, placing renewed attention on the role of sacrifice, reciprocity, and rotational justice in shaping the future of Delta Central’s political leadership. Whether these appeals will translate into concrete political decisions remains to be seen, but they underscore the importance of internal cohesion as parties prepare for the challenges of the 2027 general elections.
