By Emmanuel Olugua
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is facing mounting political pressure within the Delta Central axis of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as signs emerge that the pendulum may be swinging in favour of party stalwart O’tega Emerhor over incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone ahead of the 2026 primaries.
The shifting momentum follows calls by the Delta Central Elders and Leaders Consultative Council, as well as the Emerhor Political Family (EPF)—both prominent APC blocs—urging Dafinone to withdraw from the Delta Central senatorial race and support Emerhor, citing equity, political balance, and party cohesion.
Addressing journalists on Friday, EPF Chairman, Chief Martins Ohwehwo, said the appeal was anchored on fairness and the need to preserve internal harmony within the party. He recalled that during the 2023 elections, Emerhor stepped down for Dafinone to ensure balanced representation across the district.
At the time, both men had indicated interest in the senatorial seat under the leadership of former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who was the APC’s governorship candidate. Emerhor, from the same constituency as Omo-Agege, stepped down to allow Dafinone, from another bloc, to emerge as the candidate.
According to the group, the current political configuration presents a reversed scenario, as Dafinone now shares the same constituency with Governor Oborevwori, thereby warranting what they described as a “reciprocal gesture.”
“We call on Senator Ede Dafinone to demonstrate honour and principle by stepping down in favour of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, just as Emerhor did for him in 2023,” the group said, adding that such a move would ease the path for consensus and strengthen party unity.
The intervention has intensified scrutiny on Oborevwori, who is widely seen as a central figure in managing the emerging fault lines within the APC in Delta Central. Political observers say his stance could prove decisive as the party weighs consensus against a potentially divisive primary.
Compounding the pressure, the Delta Central Elders and Leaders Consultative Council had earlier thrown its weight behind Emerhor, unanimously endorsing him as its preferred candidate for the senatorial seat.
The endorsement was announced after a strategic meeting held at the residence of the council’s chairman, Chief Sylvester Kowho, in Effurun, where leaders cited Emerhor’s long-standing contributions to the growth and stability of the APC in Delta State.
Kowho said the decision followed a thorough assessment of all aspirants, stressing that Emerhor’s consistency, loyalty, and sacrifices since the formation of the party set him apart.
“Olorogun O’tega Emerhor has remained steadfast in building this party. His track record speaks for itself,” he said.
The council also highlighted Emerhor’s strong ties at the federal level, expressing confidence that his emergence would enhance collaboration and attract development projects to Delta Central.
Reinforcing the endorsement, the council’s spokesman, Chief Thomas Akpodiete, described Emerhor as the founding pillar of the APC in the state, noting that he played a crucial role in financing and sustaining the party during its formative years.
“Emerhor stood firm when it mattered most. He funded and nurtured the party structure even without holding public office,” Akpodiete said.
The motion for his endorsement, moved and seconded by key stakeholders, was adopted unanimously, reflecting what the council described as broad-based support across the district.
With party primaries scheduled between April 23 and May 30, the unfolding contest is shaping up as a critical test of leadership, loyalty, and internal democracy within the APC.
For Oborevwori, the situation presents a delicate balancing act—managing competing loyalties while avoiding a fracture that could weaken the party’s prospects in Delta Central—even as momentum appears to be tilting toward Emerhor.