UGHELLI/Nigeria: A political advocacy group, Delta Central Mandate 2027, has challenged All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, to formally declare his intention to contest the Delta Central senatorial seat and test his popularity in an open primary against the incumbent, Senator Ede Dafinone.
The group’s position follows reports that the Emerhor Political Forum (EPF) has been mounting pressure on Senator Dafinone to step down 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 insisted that genuine popularity must be demonstrated at the polls rather than through political pressure.
“Popular aspirants do not beg others to step down. If Olorogun Emerhor believes he has the support, he should come into the open and test it rather than relying on indirect pressure,” the statement read.
The group described the EPF’s agitation as “misplaced” and “sentimental,” stressing that political relevance is built on verifiable grassroots support and not backroom manoeuvring.
Raising concerns over Emerhor’s political track record, the group cited alleged electoral setbacks, including what it described as poor performance during the 2023 governorship election in Evwreni Ward. It also called on the APC stalwart to address the lingering communal crisis in Evwreni, which it said has led to fatalities and displacement since 2020.
“Leadership begins at the community level,” the statement added, questioning Emerhor’s level of participation in the 2023 electoral cycle, particularly his failure to purchase nomination forms for any elective position.
The group further scrutinised his past electoral outings, pointing to the 2013 senatorial by-election and the 2015 governorship race, which it characterised as underwhelming, attributing the outcomes to internal political contradictions and inconsistency.
Reaffirming its support for Senator Dafinone, Delta Central Mandate 2027 stated that the lawmaker remains focused on delivering on his legislative mandate and would not be distracted by what it described as “uncoordinated political noise.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither Olorogun O’tega Emerhor nor the Emerhor Political Forum had responded to the allegations or the challenge issued by the group.
