By Matthew Johnson

The Head, Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family who is also an ex-militant leader, His Worship,Dr Eshanekpe Agimor Israel, has congratulated the Delta Central Senatorial district candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, Onome Bernice Dema, on her emergence as the flagbearer of her party, noting that her victory is well-deserved.

Akpodoro, in a congratulatory message to the senatorial candidate on Monday, June 1, 2026, noted that her emergence mirrors popular endorsement of Nigerian women in politics, as he called for support for the first woman to defeat a supposed high calibre politician to emerge victorious saying, Dema has demystified her “delusional opponent.”

According to the Mayor, the stage is now set for a healthy competition in a democratic Urhobo as he assured the NDC flagbearer of the blessing of the Mayoral Palace, and overwhelming support from the people of Urhobo nation – worldwide adding that her victory is divine and a victory for all Urhobo sons, daughters and Nigerians at large.

The Gbaregolor, Ughelli South Local Government Area-born former warlord, also extended his congratulations to the national leader, Senator Seriake Dickson and the entire leadership of NDC for midwifing a new dawn in the country’s democratic experience through women inclusion in politics.

However, he warned of possible “bullying” of the victorious Dema by other contestants, saying it is clear that she is the people’s choice.

“The people of Urhobo land,” the Mayor stressed further, “have spoken loud in their endorsement of Madam Dema through the ballot.”

“We need all inclusive representation that will impact every nook and cranny of Urhoboland, which is what candidate Dema represents and not a clan representation.

“The Mayoral Palace,” Dr. Akpodoro added, “will commence in the days ahead, a house-to-house mobilisation for the first Urhobo woman to fly the flag of a national party to represent her people.”

“We owe her our support in her campaign for the National Assembly election in 2027,” adding, “the NDC Senatorial candidate has track records of achievements both home and abroad where she held sway as the diaspora President of the Urhobo Progressive Union, UPU. Dema is an accomplished administrator with a trajectory of success in her tracks.”

“Dema is an epitome of integrity, humility and respect for Urhobo traditional values. With Dema in the Red Chamber, our people will heave a sigh of relief from avoidable rascality that we witnessed in the life of the 9th Senate when a senator didn’t consider it necessary to communicate with his people.

“We shall not as a people go back to those days when a senator was only seen on national televisions except during campaign season. We are not only good for casting votes, but also for dividends of democracy which Dema is bringing to bear,” Dr. Akpodoro stated, while he urged Urhobo youths and his teeming followers to roll out their campaign arsenals for the woman he called ‘a game changer.’