Jamani vs Pemu: Battle of the Grassroots Giants, Who Will Win the Race for Sapele Constituency II?

By Endurance Ikanone

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, few legislative contests in Delta State are attracting as much attention as the race for the Delta State House of Assembly seat representing Sapele State Constituency II. At the centre of the political conversation are two familiar names, Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chief Festus Pemu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Although the election is still some time away, many seasoned political analysts believe the contest has all the ingredients of a classic grassroots battle between two politicians who have built strong relationships with the people over the years. Their popularity, accessibility and humanitarian activities have earned them admiration across communities, making this one of the most anticipated House of Assembly elections in Delta State.

Unlike many elections where one candidate enjoys a clear advantage over the others, the Sapele Constituency II race presents voters with two formidable contenders whose political journeys differ but whose grassroots appeal appears remarkably similar. This has naturally generated intense political discussions across Sapele, with many residents already debating who eventually has the edge.

Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro enters the race with the advantage of executive government experience. In his capacity as Delta State Commissioner for Environment, he has been associated with environmental sanitation campaigns, flood control initiatives, drainage rehabilitation, climate awareness programmes, erosion control projects and other environmental management efforts undertaken by the Delta State Government. His role has given him administrative experience and statewide visibility beyond Sapele Constituency II.

Beyond public office, however, Jamani’s political foundation was built long before his appointment into government. He has remained actively involved in grassroots politics, youth mobilisation and community engagement for several years. Those who have followed his political career often point to his accessibility, close relationship with ordinary people and willingness to identify with local communities as some of the qualities that have sustained his popularity.

His emergence as the APC candidate was followed by another political move that many within Delta’s political landscape considered significant.

Rather than celebrating his victory alone, he immediately embarked on reconciliation visits to fellow aspirants and party leaders, appealing for unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

His consultations took him to several former aspirants and respected leaders within the party, where he consistently maintained that no individual ambition should be greater than the collective success of the APC. His message centred on reconciliation, forgiveness and building a united political family capable of winning the forthcoming election.

Many within the APC have described those visits as a demonstration of political maturity, noting that post primary reconciliation is often one of the biggest challenges facing political parties after internal contests.

Chief Festus Pemu, on the other hand, presents an equally interesting political story.
Unlike Jamani, Pemu has not occupied a major executive position in government apart from previously serving as Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor.

Nevertheless, his political relevance has continued to grow through years of consistent grassroots engagement, philanthropy and active participation in community development.

His journey into the 2027 race has also been one marked by resilience. Following his disqualification from participating in the APC primary before the approval of Sapele State Constituency II, political calculations changed with the creation of the new constituency. Rather than risk another setback, he moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), where he secured the party’s ticket to contest the House of Assembly election.

For many of his supporters, that decision reflected determination and political courage. Rather than abandoning his ambition, he chose another democratic platform through which to seek the people’s mandate.

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of this election is that both candidates possess almost identical strengths in areas that often determine electoral success.

Both Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro and Chief Festus Pemu are widely acknowledged for their grassroots connections. Both have spent years building political relationships across communities, attending social functions, identifying with the needs of ordinary people and maintaining direct contact with supporters.

Their philanthropic activities have also contributed significantly to their popularity. Through educational assistance, youth empowerment, humanitarian support, assistance to widows, community interventions and various forms of personal assistance to the less privileged, both men have cultivated loyal followings that extend beyond party lines.

Interestingly, despite belonging to different political parties, Jamani and Pemu enjoy remarkably similar political followings in many parts of Sapele Constituency II. Their supporters include youths, women, community leaders, professionals and grassroots political mobilisers who have interacted with them over the years.

This unusual political reality has, according to close watchers of Sapele politics, created an atmosphere where some voters who admire both men may eventually face a difficult decision at the ballot box. Their popularity has, in many instances, transcended party affiliation, making personal credibility almost as important as political party.

One obvious difference between both candidates lies in the nature of their political experience.
Jamani combines grassroots politics with executive administrative experience acquired through public service. His supporters argue that such exposure places him in a position to better understand government processes, policy implementation and legislative engagement.

Chief Festus Pemu, on the other hand, projects himself as a politician whose strength lies largely in his close interaction with the grassroots. Many of his supporters believe that his years of community involvement have given him a practical understanding of the needs and expectations of the people he seeks to represent.

While both men have different political backgrounds, each presents a distinct leadership style that appeals to different segments of the electorate.

Another factor likely to influence the election is party cohesion. Within the APC, Jamani’s ongoing consultations with former aspirants and party stakeholders are aimed at ensuring that internal disagreements do not weaken the party before the general election.
Sustaining that unity until election day may prove crucial to his chances.

For Chief Festus Pemu, the task is equally challenging. As the ADC candidate, he must continue building a strong political structure capable of matching the organisational strength of larger political parties while maintaining the confidence of the grassroots supporters who have remained loyal to him over the years.

Beyond the APC and ADC candidates, other political parties have also presented candidates for the Sapele State Constituency II seat. Their participation remains an important aspect of Nigeria’s multiparty democratic process and provides voters with a wider range of choices.

However, discussions among many analysts familiar with the political terrain in Sapele, together with sections of the electorate, have largely focused on Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro and Chief Festus Pemu, with many describing the election as one that is shaping up into a closely fought contest between the two leading contenders. Nevertheless, elections can produce unexpected outcomes, and every candidate remains entitled to seek the mandate of the people.

As campaigns intensify, one thing appears increasingly clear: neither Jamani nor Pemu can afford complacency. Both men understand the political dynamics of Sapele Constituency II.

Both appreciate the importance of grassroots mobilisation, party unity, strategic alliances and sustained engagement with the electorate. They also understand that failing to address internal challenges, communicate effectively or maintain the confidence of supporters could undermine even the strongest political campaign.

Ultimately, the 2027 election presents the people of Sapele Constituency II with two experienced grassroots politicians who have earned recognition through different paths.

Jamani brings the combination of executive government experience and longstanding grassroots mobilisation, while Pemu offers years of community engagement, resilience and a reputation built largely outside executive office.

The coming months will undoubtedly witness vigorous campaigns, political negotiations and increased voter engagement. Yet, beyond campaign slogans and party affiliations, the election may ultimately be decided by credibility, organisation, consistency, public confidence and the ability of each candidate to convince the electorate that he possesses the vision and capacity to provide effective representation.

For both Hon. Jamani Tommy Ejiro and Chief Festus Pemu, the message is straightforward: continue to work hard, remain close to the people and allow your records, ideas and leadership qualities to speak for themselves.

Whoever eventually emerges victorious will have earned the confidence of the electorate through the democratic process. Until then, Sapele Constituency II remains one of the most fascinating political battlegrounds to watch as Delta State prepares for the 2027 general elections.