DELTA CENTRAL 2027: Ovie Omo-Agege, O’tega Emerhor in Retreat as Ede Dafinone Consolidates Hold

Fresh uncertainty has emerged within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State as indications grow that two prominent figures, Ovie Omo-Agege and O’tega Emerhor, may reconsider their participation in the forthcoming Delta Central senatorial primary.

The primary, scheduled to hold in a matter of weeks, is already generating tension within party ranks, with multiple sources suggesting that both aspirants are weighing their options amid evolving political realities.

Party insiders revealed that attempts by Omo-Agege, a former Deputy Senate President, to secure high-level endorsements from influential stakeholders at the national level have yet to produce the desired outcome.

Emerhor, on his part, is also said to have pursued a similar path, exploring the possibility of emerging as a consensus candidate, but without firm assurances from party leadership.

A chieftain of the party, Chief James Etabunor, confirmed that the situation reflects ongoing consultations within the party.

According to him, there have been moves by key aspirants to seek support from the national leadership, but no definitive position has been reached.

“There have been efforts to engage stakeholders at different levels, including the national leadership, but the process is still unfolding,” Etabunor said, noting that the absence of a consensus arrangement could make the contest more competitive.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ambitions of Omo-Agege and Emerhor, attention has increasingly shifted to the incumbent senator, Ede Dafinone, who is widely perceived within party circles as maintaining a strong base of support.

Observers within the party attribute Dafinone’s position to his sustained engagement with party members and his ability to bridge both legacy structures and newer entrants into the APC fold in Delta Central.

A senior party source, who requested anonymity, said the evolving dynamics may influence the final list of contenders.

“In the absence of a consensus candidate, aspirants will have to test their popularity in a direct primary. That comes with its own risks, especially for those unsure of their standing,” the source said.

Political analysts also note that internal realignments within the Delta APC could play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the primary. They argue that grassroots mobilisation, rather than national influence alone, may determine who eventually emerges as the party’s candidate.

As the date of the primary draws closer, neither Omo-Agege nor Emerhor has made a formal declaration regarding withdrawal or continuation in the race. However, party watchers say the coming days will be critical in determining the direction of their ambitions.

The APC leadership has maintained that the process will be conducted in line with established guidelines, assuring members of a transparent and credible primary.

For now, the political atmosphere in Delta Central remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments that could significantly reshape the contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.