By Esada Uyono
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki has called on the general public to disregard social media press statements and information announcing the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-agege as winner of the Delta Central Senatorial Primary Election, insisting that Senator Ede Dafinone is and remains the duly elected candidate of the party for the forth coming 2027 general elections.
Speaking on Tuesday in an extensive interview with journalists in his country home in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State, Akpeki said the exercise was Free, Fair and peaceful, adding that the Senatorial Primaries reflected the will of party members across Delta Central.
According to him, “The people had their way. The voters had their way. The majority had their way. Today, we have Senator Ede Dafinone as our flag bearer for the 2027 elections.”
Akpeki maintained that the process conducted by officials sent from Abuja by the APC National Working Committee followed due process and should not be overshadowed by social media speculation or unofficial claims.
Reacting to reports and statements allegedly challenging the outcome of the election, particularly claims of victory by former Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC chairman insisted that only officially declared results should be recognized.
“Anybody can feel aggrieved, but if someone claims victory, how did he become the winner if he was not officially declared winner?” Akpeki stated.
He further disclosed that the official results announced by the APC committee showed Senator Dafinone polling 116,252 votes, while Omo-Agege scored 3,643 votes.
“The figures are clear. Officials sent from Abuja by the National Working Committee conducted the primaries and declared a winner. Senator Ede Dafinone was declared winner, remains the winner, and is our candidate for the 2027 elections,” he added.
Akpeki also warned against reliance on social media narratives, stressing that the APC leadership remains focused on official party procedures.
“I do not react to social media stories. I react to official information,” he said, adding that the National Working Committee sent officials to Delta State with clear guidelines to conduct the exercise.
On the broader political outlook of the APC in Delta State ahead of 2027, Akpeki expressed confidence in the strength of the party and dismissed claims that the NDC was gaining momentum in the state.
“As far as the APC is concerned, we are still firmly on ground. We will deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and all our candidates in 2027,” he stated.
The Delta Central APC chairman also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as impactful infrastructural development and continuity in governance across the state.
He cited the completion of major roads linking Asaba, Isoko and Ughelli, improved healthcare infrastructure, bursary payments and youth development initiatives as evidence of the governor’s performance.
“When somebody performs well, you praise him. I think the people of Delta State are blessed with Governor Oborevwori,” Akpeki said.
Speaking on reconciliation after the primaries, the APC chairman assured party supporters that efforts would be made to unite aggrieved members ahead of the general elections.
“The APC remains one family, and all of us will continue to work together. I can assure you that all will be well,” he concluded.
