ASABA, Nigeria — In a major political development ahead of the upcoming general elections, the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress conducted its House of Representatives primary elections across all federal constituencies. The exercise, which witnessed an unprecedented turnout of party faithful at the grassroots level, has been widely described by domestic observers, party stakeholders, and political analysts as a transparent, credible, and remarkably peaceful demonstration of internal democracy. The direct primary election format allowed card-carrying party members to vote directly for their preferred candidates, a move that observers note has significantly reinforced confidence in the party’s internal democratic mechanisms. The exercise proceeded smoothly without the logistical bottlenecks or security breaches that have historically marred similar high stakes political contests in the region, setting a new benchmark for internal party democracy in the state.
Following the conclusion of voting, sorting, and the official collation of ballots by the designated electoral committees, the party leadership officially announced the winners who will fly the party’s flag in the upcoming legislative elections. The list of victorious candidates cuts across veteran lawmakers, seasoned administrators, and grassroots mobilizers, reflecting a diverse array of leadership talent ready to represent their constituencies. In Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu secured the nomination, while Rev. Francis Waive emerged victorious in Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency. For Okpe, Sapele, and Uvwie Federal Constituency, the party members elected Hon. Ramson Onoyake, and in Aniocha and Oshimili Federal Constituency, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu clinched the ticket. The primary in Ika Federal Constituency saw Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa emerge as the candidate, while Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi won the ticket for Ndokwa and Ukwuani Federal Constituency. In Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon. Julius Pondi was declared the winner, and Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana took the nomination for Bomadi and Patani Federal Constituency. Pastor Ajirioghene Ukodhiko emerged successful in Isoko Federal Constituency, and Chief Thomas Ereyitomi secured the ticket for Warri Federal Constituency. The emergence of these candidates is seen by many within the political landscape as a strategic blend of experience and fresh perspective, positioning the party for a robust campaign in the general elections.
The Governor of Delta State and State Party Leader, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, alongside his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, were among the high profile participants in the exercise. Both top officials cast their votes in their respective wards, demonstrating their commitment to the grassroots driven process. Addressing journalists and media correspondents shortly after casting his ballot, Governor Oborevwori expressed profound satisfaction with the conduct of the party members. He noted that the orderly manner in which the primaries were held reflects the deep seated maturity and evolution of the party in Delta State. The governor stated that what was witnessed across Delta State is a triumph for democracy and proof of internal cohesion. He emphasized that the administration and the party leadership made a sacred pledge to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants, without favoritism or imposition, ensuring that the voice of the party members has been clearly heard and their choices have emerged. He added that moving forward, the ultimate goal is the unity, stability, and absolute victory of the great party at the polls. Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme echoed these sentiments, praising the security agencies, independent monitors, and the electoral panels for maintaining an atmosphere of peace, transparency, and absolute fairness throughout the voting windows.
Independent political analysts tracking the Delta State primaries have pointed out that the lack of widespread violence or deep seated rancor is a telling indicator of the growing political maturity within the state structure. Historically, primary elections in the oil rich Delta region have been fraught with high tension, parallel congresses, and bitter disputes. However, this exercise bucked that trend significantly, showcasing a disciplined party apparatus capable of managing internal competition. Particularly drawing praise from stakeholders is the high level of sportsmanship already being displayed by several aspirants who did not emerge victorious. Within hours of the results being announced, multiple runners up issued public statements congratulating the winners. These aspirants explicitly pledged their continued loyalty to the party, promising to collapse their personal campaign structures into the main party apparatus to ensure a unified front during the general elections. This rapid concession and show of solidarity are being interpreted by political strategists as a sign that the party's reconciliation mechanisms are already yielding positive results, reducing the likelihood of anti party activities that often plague defeated camps in Nigerian politics.
With the primaries now officially concluded and candidates decided, the party leadership in Delta State faces the vital task of transitioning from a state of internal competition to one of deep, strategic collaboration. Political pundits emphasize that while primaries are inherently competitive, general elections require an entirely different approach, one rooted in absolute unity and collective machinery. Inside sources reveal that the state working committee is already drawing up plans for an all inclusive reconciliation tour across the three senatorial districts. The primary objective of this initiative will be to heal any perceived grievances arising from the fierce contest, bring disgruntled factions back into the fold, and consolidate the gains made during the successful primary exercise. The guiding philosophy being preached by the party leadership is clear, that elections are not won by isolated individuals or fractured factions, but by cohesive political families working seamlessly toward a shared objective.
To maintain this positive momentum, the state party hierarchy has reached out directly to all aspirants who participated in the contest, urging them to view the outcome not as a personal defeat, but as a temporary pause in a collective journey. Party elders have emphasized that every single ambition witnessed during the primary season was driven by a commendable desire to serve the people of Delta State and advance the fortunes of the party. Therefore, even though only one flagbearer could emerge per constituency, every single aspirant remains an invaluable stakeholder whose political capital, loyal supporters, and distinct organizational structures are highly critical to the party's future success. The leadership has formally called upon party elders, youth wings, women mobilization groups, and grassroots support networks across all ten federal constituencies to rally solidly behind the newly minted candidates. Political observers believe that if the party can successfully maintain this spirit of mutual respect and sustained grassroots engagement over the coming months, its position ahead of the general elections will be significantly fortified.
Ultimately, the peaceful and highly organized conduct of these House of Representatives primaries has sent an unmistakable signal to the opposition and the general public that the party in Delta State is focused, organized, and deeply committed to democratic principles. Through strategic reconciliation and sustained grassroots mobilization, the party is now positioning itself to deliver what it describes as the ultimate prize, which is purposeful, development oriented representation and leadership built on fairness, peace, and collective prosperity for the citizens of Delta State. The success of this exercise marks the beginning of a coordinated statewide campaign designed to engage voters in every ward and local government area, ensuring that the party's developmental blueprint is communicated clearly and effectively to the electorate before the general elections arrive.
The political atmosphere across Delta State is charged with anticipation as the newly elected candidates prepare to hit the campaign trail. This successful primary has injected fresh energy into the party's rank and file, motivating volunteers and grassroots organizers who are eager to replicate this democratic success in the general elections. By ensuring that the voice of the people was respected at the primary stage, the leadership has built a foundation of trust that will be vital in the coming weeks. The strategic focus must now remain on keeping the party structures united and focused on the larger goal of securing a comprehensive victory across all federal constituencies, thereby ensuring strong, effective representation for the people of Delta State.
As the party begins its transition to the general campaign phase, committees are being formed to integrate the various campaign groups of the former aspirants into a unified command structure. This collaborative approach is expected to maximize resources, streamline messaging, and eliminate any residual friction from the primaries. The party leadership continues to stress that the real contest lies ahead, and the discipline shown during the internal voting must be carried forward into the main elections. With a formidable line up of candidates and a renewed commitment to collective victory, the party is determined to present a united front that resonates with voters across every community in Delta State.
