ASABA, Nigeria — In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has extended his warmest congratulations to the former Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the incumbent Senator for Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas. The commendation follows their definitive victories in the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries.
The primary elections, which took place across the state on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, saw Senator Ifeanyi Okowa clinch the APC ticket for Delta North Senatorial District, while Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas secured his renomination to represent Delta South Senatorial District.
In a press statement personally signed by Senator Dafinone on Tuesday evening, the Delta Central lawmaker described the outcomes of the internal party elections as a clear testament to the political capital, competence, and widespread acceptance both leaders enjoy within the ranks of the progressive party.
Reflecting on the outcome of the shadow elections, Senator Dafinone noted that the resounding victories achieved by both Okowa and Joel-Onowakpo were not accidental but were earned through years of dedicated service and strategic engagement with the grassroots.
Their victories clearly reflect the confidence and trust reposed in them by delegates, party leaders, and stakeholders across both senatorial districts, Dafinone stated.
Political analysts in Delta State have described the entry of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa into the APC senatorial race for Delta North as a major political realignment that has significantly shifted the balance of power in the state. Okowa, a veteran politician and former governor, brings a vast network and administrative experience to the ticket. Meanwhile, Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s victory in Delta South reinforces his strong standing among his constituents, who have praised his legislative contributions and advocacy in the red chamber.
According to Dafinone, the endorsement of these two leaders by the party’s delegates underlines a collective desire within the Delta APC to field its most capable, tested, and reliable hands for the crucial legislative battles ahead.
Beyond celebrating the individual winners, Senator Dafinone expressed immense satisfaction with the overall conduct of the primary elections across Delta State. He commended the National Working Committee of the APC, the local organizing committees, security agencies, and the thousands of party delegates for ensuring a hitch-free exercise.
The lawmaker emphasized that the peaceful and orderly nature of the primaries has set a high standard for internal democracy, debunking earlier anxieties that the fiercely contested positions could lead to factional infighting.
I am also delighted by the peaceful and orderly conduct of the primaries across Delta State, Dafinone remarked. The process once again demonstrated the unity, strength, and growing democratic culture within our great party.
Observers note that the successful conduct of these primaries provides the Delta State chapter of the APC with a clean bill of health and vital momentum, dispelling rumors of deep-seated divisions and positioning the party as a cohesive unit ready to challenge its political rivals.
With the emergence of Okowa, Joel-Onowakpo, and Dafinone anchoring the three senatorial zones, the APC in Delta State appears to have solidified its formidable tripod for the 2027 general elections. Dafinone pointed out that having experienced, heavy-hitting politicians at the vanguard of the party's campaigns will drastically boost its chances of securing a clean sweep at both the state and federal levels.
The lawmaker explained that the unique combination of Okowa’s executive governance track record and Joel-Onowakpo’s proven legislative competence creates a formidable force.
The emergence of experienced leaders like Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas further strengthens our party and positions the APC strongly for victory ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dafinone added.
Recognizing that primary elections can sometimes leave internal bruises, Senator Dafinone used the opportunity to sound a rallying cry for total reconciliation and unity across the state. He urged all contestants who may not have emerged victorious, as well as their passionate supporters, to look at the bigger picture and close ranks for the sake of the party's ultimate success.
He reminded party members that the true adversary remains the opposition, and that the collective goal of delivering meaningful progress, infrastructural development, and robust representation to the people of Delta State can only be achieved through a unified front.
I encourage all party faithful, supporters, and stakeholders across the three senatorial districts to remain united and committed to our collective vision of progress, development, and quality representation for the people of Delta State, Dafinone concluded.
With the senatorial tickets now officially settled, the Delta State APC is expected to transition immediately into a reconciliation phase, followed by the constitution of campaign councils ahead of the 2027 general election season.
