By Emmanuel Olugua
The race for Delta Central’s senatorial seat is fast crystallising into a near foregone conclusion, with Senator Ede Dafinone’s return to the National Assembly gathering unstoppable momentum following a decisive realignment within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a move that has effectively redrawn the political map, founding APC leader in Delta State, Chief O’tega Emerhor, has formally withdrawn from the contest and thrown his full weight behind the incumbent, signalling what insiders describe as the final consolidation of forces ahead of 2027.
Emerhor’s endorsement, coupled with a groundswell of support from key political heavyweights, has significantly weakened any prospects of a comeback by former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, once regarded as the dominant force in Delta Central politics.
Dafinone’s official declaration at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli underscored this shift, drawing a massive turnout of party faithful and stakeholders from across the district. More telling, however, was the calibre of political actors rallying behind him, reinforcing the perception that the contest has tilted decisively in his favour.
With Emerhor now mobilising his formidable political structure for Dafinone, the internal APC contest appears to have narrowed sharply, leaving Omo-Agege facing an increasingly united front.
Among those backing the incumbent are influential figures such as Chief Ighoyota Amori, Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi, Delta Central APC Chairman Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and a broad spectrum of party leaders and government officials. Their alignment points to a rare consensus within the party’s Delta Central bloc.
Addressing supporters, Dafinone cast his re-election bid as a continuation of service, pledging renewed energy in advancing development and economic growth across the district.
“Leadership is not a badge of rank, but a burden of service,” he said, while outlining achievements from his first term, including advocacy for the Sapele Seaport, rail connectivity projects, and interventions on critical road infrastructure.
He also highlighted grassroots initiatives spanning education, healthcare, and power supply, alongside ongoing projects such as a 50-bed hostel at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and a proposed train station in Ughelli South.
On the legislative front, the senator pointed to bills aimed at establishing federal institutions in Isiokolo and Orerokpe, as well as his role in interventions during the Okuama crisis.
Party leaders at the event were unanimous in their endorsement, citing performance and consistency as key factors behind their support.
For Omo-Agege, the emerging coalition presents a steep uphill battle. Once the central figure in Delta Central APC politics, he now confronts a consolidated establishment seemingly determined to foreclose any path to a political comeback.
With Emerhor’s withdrawal and the alignment of major stakeholders, the signal from Ughelli is unmistakable: barring any unforeseen upheaval, Dafinone’s path back to the Senate is all but secured.