The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its senatorial primary elections in Delta State, with incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone securing a decisive victory in Delta Central, while Senator Ifeanyi Okowa emerged triumphant in Delta North. In Delta South, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas currently holds a strong lead.
Delta Central Primaries
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, won the APC primary with a landslide margin, defeating former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege. The results were announced by the Secretary of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, Barr. Nusa Amagbor, who stated that Dafinone polled 116,252 votes against Omo-Agege's 3,643 votes.
The primary was conducted using the direct primary system under Option A4, with voting held across all wards in the eight local government areas of the district. The exercise saw massive participation and was widely regarded as credible, peaceful, and transparent.
Barr. Amagbor commended party stakeholders for their cooperation and orderly conduct, emphasizing that the process had been concluded successfully. He officially declared Dafinone the winner, noting that he satisfied all party requirements and secured the highest number of valid votes.
Delta North Primaries
In Delta North, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa won the APC primary with 113,309 votes, defeating incumbent Senator Ned Nwoko, who garnered 2,612 votes, while Mariam Ali secured 40 votes. Returning officer Mr. Eugene Odo declared Okowa the winner, citing his compliance with party regulations and his commanding lead in valid votes.
Delta South Primaries
In Delta South Senatorial District, incumbent Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas is leading in six out of eight local government areas. The results were announced in the presence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials who monitored the exercise.
Reactions
Following his declaration, Senator Ede Dafinone expressed gratitude to the people of Delta Central for their renewed confidence. He praised the primary process as transparent, open, free, and fair, acknowledging the highly political terrain of Delta Central. Dafinone called on Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to unite with other party members to work toward victory in the 2027 general elections across all positions.
