Nelson Utip
O’tega Emerhor, the founding leader of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), and 2015 governorship has congratulated Senators Ede Dafinone, Ifeanyi Okowa and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas as they emerge APC candidates in the just concluded primary elections in their respective Senator Districts.
This was conveyed in a statement issued by Ughere Daniel, his Media Assistant who described the emergence out of the three candidates as “a true reflection of the support and will of APC party members expressed through their votes.”
He commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise across the state’s 270 wards,
while applauding the transparent and credible process, he highlighted that the primaries have now “set a new democratic standard for the conduct of internal elections in Delta State.”
He further stated that the elections, which took place simultaneously across the state, were “widely acknowledged as most peaceful, successful, free and fair,” adding that party faithful freely queued behind aspirants of their choice without intimidation or inducement.
“Party members were able to queue behind candidates of their choice and vote accordingly to their free will without facing any form of coercion, intimidation or inducement.” He stated.
Emerhor also noted that he personally monitored the exercise in his Evwreni Ward, where he encouraged party faithful to participate actively in the democratic process.
He also praised party members for what he described as their resilience and commitment to the party, noting that large numbers turned out peacefully to elect their preferred aspirants while commending members of the election committee deployed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC, applauding their discipline and professionalism throughout the exercise.
According to him, the committee members deserved commendation “for a job well done and for maintaining visible discipline and integrity in the discharge of their duties.”
He also praised Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, whom he credited with ensuring fairness and stability during the primaries.
Emerhor said Oborevwori played a “vital role in ensuring and securing a level playing field for all aspirants,” adding that the governor’s leadership contributed significantly to the peaceful and transparent nature of the elections.
“His leadership in this wise ensured that the exercise was peaceful and transparent and allowed the results to reflect the will of party members.” The statement read in part.
He described Tinubu’s leadership as instrumental to the stability of the APC, saying the President’s “fatherly guidance and support” have continued to strengthen democratic ideals within the party despite competing political interests.
“The President’s firm hands in driving our democratic ideals has been the guiding lights of the APC that has secured party unity even in the face of the ever present conflicting individual members interest.” The statement continued.
Emerhor also appealed to those who lost in the contest to accept the outcome in good faith and remain committed to the collective interest of the party while cautioning against acts capable of undermining party unity, including what he described as “self-proclamation and anti-party activities,” warning that such actions could create unnecessary divisions within the APC ahead of future elections.
He further urged those who contested but did not emerge to accept the will of party members and subdue their ambitions in the overall interest of the party while calling on the victorious candidates to approach their victories with humility and inclusiveness, stressing the need for reconciliation within party ranks.
“For the winners, Emerhor called for humility while embracing everyone in the spirit of no victor, no vanquished.” The statement concluded.
