Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, has declared that the Urhobo nation will overwhelmingly support the re-election of Senator Ede Dafinone in 2027, dismissing arguments that the Okpe ethnic nationality cannot produce both the governor and senator representing Delta Central simultaneously.
Aguariavwodo also took a swipe at former Deputy Senate President Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and candidates from opposition parties, alleging they have little to offer the electorate beyond dropping the names of their political principals.
The former senator made the remarks during a strategic meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpare Ward, held at his residence in Okpare-Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Addressing party leaders and stakeholders, Aguariavwodo maintained that the Urhobo nation remained one and indivisible, insisting that the argument against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone occupying their respective offices because both hail from Okpe was politically misplaced.
Drawing from experience as a former senator, Aguariavwodo recalled that former Governor James Ibori and the late Senator Felix Ibru, both of Agbarha, held prominent political offices simultaneously without generating similar objections.
“Not long ago, Chief James Ibori was Governor of the State. Ibori is from Oghara in Urhobo land. In Urhobo land, Oghara people are from Agbarha-Otor. Not long ago, former Governor Felix Ibru was a Senator, and he is from Agbarha-Otor,” he said.
He argued that the precedent demonstrated why the emergence of political officeholders from the same Urhobo ethnic subgroup should not become a divisive issue.
“At the same time, both Ibori and Felix were occupying positions, and we still said Urhobo OvuOvo. Now Urhobo have resolved that Okpe producing the Governor and Senator is a good thing. The Urhobo nation will vote massively for Dafinone,” Aguariavwodo declared.
He further expressed confidence that the electorate would support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other APC candidates across the various elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
A major highlight of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of all APC candidates, from the presidency to the State House of Assembly, by members of Okpare Ward.
The adoption followed a motion moved by the immediate past Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Richard Kofi, and seconded by Engr. Quincy Tebite. The motion was subsequently endorsed through a voice vote.
The meeting, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers, focused on strengthening the APC’s ward structures, promoting internal unity and coordinating voter mobilisation ahead of the elections.
Also in attendance was the APC candidate for Ughelli South Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ricardo Oghenero Oguma, JP, alongside the Executive Director, Projects, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu.
Other prominent stakeholders included Chief Williams Alu, Prof. Egedegbe, Mr. Ochuko Omorere, Mr. Felix Emumejaye, Atiku Julius, Chief Mike Okor, Comrade Okiemute Otoka, Hon. Kesiena Itihwe, Chief Patrick Ogigbah and Comrade Kingsley Eboh.
Okpare Ward comprises Okpare-Olomu, Oguname-Olomu, Ophori-Olomu and Ophorigbala-Olomu communities.
The meeting ended with party stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to grassroots mobilisation and strengthening the APC’s organisational structures across Okpare Ward and Ughelli South Constituency II ahead of the 2027 polls.