A political advocacy group in Delta State, Delta Central Mandate 2027, has called on All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to formally declare his senatorial ambition and subject himself to an open primary contest against the incumbent Senator, Ede Dafinone, for the Delta Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

The group made the appeal in a statement issued on Sunday, following reports that the Emerhor Political Forum (EPF) has been urging Senator Dafinone to step aside in favour of Emerhor.

In the statement signed by its President, Chief Julius Utake, and Secretary, Kingsley Awin, the group argued that genuine political popularity should be tested through transparent processes rather than indirect pressure.

“Popular aspirants do not beg others to step down,” the statement read. “If Olorogun Emerhor believes he has the support, he should come into the open and test it rather than relying on indirect pressure.”

Delta Central Mandate 2027 described the current agitation by the Emerhor Political Forum as misplaced and sentimental, stressing that political relevance is best earned through visible grassroots mobilisation and open competition, not through backroom manoeuvres or calls for others to withdraw.

The group further emphasised the importance of community-level leadership and urged all interested aspirants to focus on presenting their ideas, capacity, and programmes to the people rather than engaging in indirect campaigns aimed at forcing withdrawals.

Reaffirming its support for the incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone, the advocacy group noted that the lawmaker has remained focused on his legislative duties and has continued to deliver effective representation for the people of Delta Central.

The statement also highlighted the need for internal party cohesion and fair play within the APC, warning that any attempt to circumvent due process could undermine the party’s unity and credibility ahead of the 2027 elections.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Olorogun O’tega Emerhor nor the Emerhor Political Forum had issued any official response to the statement from Delta Central Mandate 2027.