A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun Barrister Adelabu Bodjor, has firmly rejected claims that party leader Olorogun O’tega Emerhor stepped down his senatorial ambition ahead of the 2023 elections in favour of Senator Ede Dafinone, describing the assertion as misleading and without any factual basis.
Bodjor, a pioneer Chairman of the APC in Delta Central, said the narrative being circulated by some supporters of Emerhor lacks substance, stressing that one cannot withdraw from a contest that was never formally entered.
His reaction follows recent appeals by the Emerhor Political Family (EPF), led by Chief Martins Ohwehwo, calling on Senator Dafinone to step down from the Delta Central senatorial race in the interest of equity, political balance, and party unity.
But Bodjor dismissed the call as premature and unfounded, insisting that Emerhor never officially declared interest in the 2023 senatorial race, and therefore could not have stepped down for anyone.
“For a start, Emerhor did not declare for the 2023 Senate race, so the claim that he stepped down is baseless,” Bodjor said. “If there were any private arrangements with other political actors, they were not made known to the Dafinone camp and cannot be binding.”
He further argued that any such alleged understanding, if it existed at all, may have been influenced by internal political considerations rather than any broader agreement rooted in party structure or zoning arrangements.
Bodjor urged all aspirants to adopt a transparent approach by declaring their intentions and subjecting themselves to a credible primary process rather than relying on indirect pressure or public sentiment.
“If Emerhor intends to contest, the honourable thing is to come out and declare. Nobody should be asked to step down for someone who has not even shown interest,” he said. “Those making such calls should first encourage their principal to formally join the race.”
He also criticised what he described as subtle attempts by some supporters of Emerhor to manipulate public opinion through emotional appeals, questioning their confidence in his ability to win a competitive primary election.
“It appears there is a fear of testing strength in an open contest,” Bodjor noted. “If one cannot win a party primary, how then does he hope to face candidates from other parties in a general election?”
Reflecting on Emerhor’s political history, Bodjor recalled that he had previously contested as the party’s senatorial candidate in 2013 and later as the governorship candidate in 2015, but did not secure victory in either election.
“He has had his opportunities in the past. Perhaps it is time to allow others to emerge,” he added.
The APC stalwart also pointed out what he described as contradictions within the party, noting that some of the same voices alleging marginalisation of older members are now calling on a sitting senator who won under the APC platform to step aside.
“That position is troubling and inconsistent,” he said.
On the issue of equity, Bodjor maintained that political fairness in Delta Central has traditionally been guided by distribution across local governments and federal constituencies, rather than narrow arguments tied to individuals or affiliations.
He argued that it would be unjust to ask Senator Dafinone to step down solely because he shares a federal constituency with the state governor, noting that both do not even come from the same local government.
Bodjor further raised concerns about historical imbalance, pointing out that the Ughelli Federal Constituency has produced a significant number of senators since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“In nearly three decades of this democratic dispensation, Ughelli has occupied the senatorial seat for the majority of the time. Any fresh appeal to equity must be consistent and fair to all,” he said.
He concluded by questioning the depth of understanding among those claiming to represent Emerhor’s political family, suggesting that many of them lack proper knowledge of his political journey within the APC.
“That story,” Bodjor remarked, “is one for another day.”
The development signals growing internal tension within the APC in Delta Central, as early permutations ahead of future elections continue to stir debate over fairness, ambition, and party cohesion.
