APC 2027 Showdown: Group Dares Olorogun Emerhor to Face Senator Dafinone in High Stakes Delta Central Battle

APC 2027 Showdown: Group Dares Olorogun Emerhor to Face Senator Dafinone in High Stakes Delta Central Battle

A political advocacy group, Delta Central Mandate 2027, has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to formally declare his senatorial ambition and contest in an open primary with the incumbent lawmaker, Senator Ede Dafinone, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its President, Chief Julius Utake, and Secretary, Kingsley Awin, the group said any aspirant with genuine grassroots support should be willing to test such popularity through a transparent and competitive process.

“Popular aspirants do not beg others to step down,” the statement read. “If Olorogun Emerhor believes he has the backing of the people, he should come into the open and prove it, rather than relying on indirect pressure.”

The group’s position follows reports that the Emerhor Political Forum (EPF) has been urging Senator Dafinone to step aside ahead of the party’s primaries. Delta Central Mandate 2027 described such moves as “misplaced” and “sentimental,” arguing that political leadership should be determined through due process rather than behind-the-scenes negotiations.

While reiterating its support for Senator Dafinone, the group also raised concerns about Emerhor’s political record.

It referenced allegations surrounding electoral outcomes in Evwreni Ward during the 2023 governorship election, though no independent verification of these claims was provided in the statement.

The group further urged Emerhor to address the lingering communal crisis in Evwreni, which it said has led to casualties and displacement since 2020.

It maintained that leadership responsibility begins at the community level and questioned the extent of his engagement with the issue.

In addition, the statement highlighted what it described as inconsistencies in Emerhor’s political participation, noting that he did not purchase nomination forms for any elective position during the 2023 election cycle. It also pointed to his performances in previous contests, including the 2013 senatorial by-election and the 2015 governorship race, describing them as below expectations.

Despite the criticisms, the group emphasised the need for internal democracy within the APC, stating that a credible primary election would strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 polls.

“Senator Dafinone remains focused on delivering on his legislative mandate and will not be distracted by uncoordinated political noise,” the statement added.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Emerhor nor representatives of the Emerhor Political Forum had responded to the claims or the challenge issued by the group.

Political analysts note that early positioning and intra-party contestations are expected to intensify as the 2027 elections approach, particularly within key senatorial districts.