By FESTUS AHON

UGHELLI — CHIEF Ede Dafinone has emerged the flag bearer of Democratic Peoples’ Party, DPP, in the October 5 by-election in Delta Central senatorial district.

At the party’s primaries held in Ughelli, Tuesday, Dafinone polled 872 votes to beat his closest rival, Sir. Richard Odibo, who secured 352 votes.

Announcing the result, the party’s National Deputy Chairman and Chief Returning Officer, Mr. Benson Garshom, said that the other contestants, Chief Napoleon Gbinije and Mr. Abel Oharume polled 229 and 56 votes, respectively.

Dafinone lost the party’s primaries to late Senator Pius Ewherido in 2011 with 17 votes.

Reacting to his victory, Dafinone expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the party’s primary election.

He said: “It is a great day for the party and a great day for democracy as the exercise was free and fair. It is a testimony to the fact that DPP stands for justice and democratic ideals.”

Speaking with newsmen moments after, member representing Ethiope East Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Joseph Oshevire, said that the election was free and fair.

According to him, “the winner won freely and fairly. I advise the other contestants to support him for victory in the by-election.”