Ayiri Emami, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, has announced the party’s plan to conduct open primaries for the House of Assembly, chairmanship, and councillorship positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the residence of Prince Francis Agbowosile in Warri, Emami reiterated his unwavering support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
He clarified that the political understanding which led to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) integrating into the APC was exclusive to the governor alone, emphasizing that the collapse of the PDP structure into the APC was a limited arrangement.
Emami called on both long-standing APC members and new entrants, particularly those crossing over from the PDP, to prioritize the interests of the APC as they move forward. He also praised Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the APC governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections, for his foundational work in building the party’s political structure ahead of others.
Reflecting on recent events, Emami said, “While I was away abroad, during my 50th birthday, our party’s chairmanship candidate in the last council election, Prince Francis Agbowosile, held a celebration in my honor. I appreciate his kind gesture. I was also absent when the PDP collapsed its leadership into the APC, but we are now united as one.”
He further stressed the importance of unity and collaboration within the party: “Despite the influx of new members, we will maintain strong relationships and work collectively for the success of President Bola Tinubu. We will also continue to support the governor of Delta State because we are united. There will be no automatic tickets in the APC for the Delta State House of Assembly seats — all aspirants must contest fairly.”
Emami concluded by reaffirming his respect for the party’s original leaders, stating, “We will not neglect Chief Ovie Omo-Agege, whose political groundwork remains the foundation of our party’s structure. As Chief Ovie campaigned, he was also campaigning for President Tinubu.”