UGHELLI/Nigeria: A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Okakuro (Dr.) Joseph Tedwins Emudainohwo, has strongly criticised Senator Ede Dafinone over what he described as a disingenuous and opportunistic call for peace and reconciliation within the party, accusing the lawmaker of betrayal and sabotage against the collective interest of the APC and its leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.
In a strongly worded open letter, Dr. Emudainohwo said Senator Dafinone’s recent overtures were nothing more than “self-serving stratagems born of desperation, not contrition.” He insisted that the sudden advocacy for unity is calculated and comes only after the senator’s alleged political manoeuvres failed to gain traction both at the grassroots and national leadership levels.
“Your recent gestures, framed as conciliatory, are not only disingenuous but emblematic of the very opportunism that has defined your political maneuvers against H.E. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege,” Emudainohwo wrote. “Let me be unequivocal: your repentance is not genuine… and we are not fooled.”
He accused Senator Dafinone of repaying loyalty with betrayal after benefiting from the political goodwill and support of Senator Omo-Agege, who played a critical role in Dafinone’s electoral victory in Delta Central. Emudainohwo alleged that Dafinone subsequently conspired with detractors to undermine Omo-Agege’s governorship ambition and destabilize the party.
The APC chieftain particularly condemned the formation of an alleged “college of leaders,” describing it as an unconstitutional cabal designed to sabotage the party’s unity. He also berated Dafinone for allegedly welcoming known adversaries of Omo-Agege into the APC to sow division, asserting that “the APC grassroots very well know these facts, and would not forget it so soon!”
Emudainohwo challenged the sincerity of Dafinone’s reconciliation efforts, saying they only emerged after his political strategies collapsed and were rejected by both the presidency and party leadership. “Where was this call for unity when you and your allies plotted in the shadows?” he asked.
He also criticised the senator’s treatment of party stakeholders in Ethiope East Local Government Area, referencing an incident where Dafinone’s aide allegedly told constituents to “go to hell” during a meeting in Abuja. Emudainohwo dismissed a recent visit to Oviorie by the senator as an underhanded move, saying true reconciliation requires public accountability and repentance.
“Your ‘Trojan horse’ peace is a thinly veiled attempt to rehabilitate your image, not to heal the party,” he declared. “How can trust be restored when your entire political career – particularly your recent actions – has been defined by betrayal?”
Dr. Emudainohwo issued a stern demand, calling on Dafinone to publicly renounce the “college of leaders,” cut ties with opposition collaborators, and apologise to the party’s grassroots. He also urged him to begin rebuilding trust from the senatorial district he allegedly divided through the actions of his Chief of Staff, Chief Adelabu Bodjor.
He concluded by reaffirming the grassroots’ unwavering commitment to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s 2027 governorship ambition, warning that no “self-preservation agenda” will be allowed to derail the party’s mission.
“The APC grassroots will not be distracted by disingenuous theatrics… Let history judge us both by our actions, not our pretenses,” Emudainohwo stated.
