A political advocacy group, Delta Central Mandate 2027, has dared All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to formally declare his senatorial ambition and face an open primary against the incumbent, Senator Ede Dafinone.
The group’s challenge follows reports that the Emerhor Political Forum (EPF) has been pressuring Senator Dafinone to step down ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Popular aspirants do not beg others to step down,” said Chief Julius Utake and Kingsley Awin, the group’s President and Secretary, in a statement released Sunday. “If Olorogun Emerhor believes he has the support, he should come into the open and test it rather than relying on indirect pressure.”
The group dismissed the EPF’s agitation as “misplaced” and “sentimental,” arguing that political relevance is earned through grassroots support, not backroom manoeuvring.
Beyond the call for an open contest, the advocacy group questioned Emerhor’s political track record, citing allegations of electoral failure during the 2023 governorship election in Evwreni Ward. They further urged the APC stalwart to address the prolonged communal crisis in Evwreni that has resulted in fatalities and mass displacement since 2020.
“Leadership begins at the community level,” the statement noted, questioning whether Emerhor had fully committed to the 2023 electoral process, noting his failure to purchase nomination forms for any elective office during that cycle.
The group also scrutinised Emerhor’s electoral history, pointing to his performance in the 2013 senatorial by-election and the 2015 governorship race as “underwhelming.” They attributed these past losses to “internal political contradictions” and a lack of consistency.
Reaffirming its commitment to Senator Dafinone, the group stated that the lawmaker remains focused on his legislative duties and would not be distracted by “uncoordinated political noise.”
As of press time, neither Olorogun Emerhor nor the Emerhor Political Forum had responded to requests for comment.
