UGHELLI – Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP has formally petitioned the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] House of Representatives Primary Election Appeal Committee, challenging the outcome of the U3 Federal Constituency primary held on 28th May 2026.
In the petition, Dr. Akpodiete is contesting both the participation of Engr. Davis Ejiro Emerhi Emarayo in the election and the conduct of the primary in Ughelli North and Udu Local Government Areas.
Dr. Akpodiete alleged that Engr. Emarayo is a member of multiple political parties simultaneously, including the National Democratic Party [NDC], African Democratic Congress [ADC], All Progressives Congress [APC], and the PDP. He stated that Emarayo attended NDC/Obi Movement meetings shortly before the primary election, a development he said violates the PDP Constitution and the Electoral Act 2022 as amended.
“The issue of Engr. Emarayo’s multiple party membership extends beyond internal party concern. It poses a significant threat to the electoral fortunes of PDP in the forthcoming general election and risks invalid nomination, litigation, and prejudice to the party,” the petition read.
On the conduct of the election, Dr. Akpodiete cited over-voting and electoral irregularities in Ughelli North and Udu LGAs. He claimed that the votes recorded in those areas exceeded the number of duly registered party members submitted to INEC on 8th May 2026, rendering the declared results questionable.
He urged the Appeal Committee to review the results using the INEC-verified register of eligible voters, disqualify Engr. Emarayo on grounds of ineligibility, and declare him, Dr. Akpodiete, as the duly nominated candidate of the PDP for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency.
“I remain a loyal and committed member of the PDP and have contributed to the development of the party across Delta State, especially in the U3 Federal Constituency,” he said.
Dr. Akpodiete expressed confidence that the Appeal Committee would give the petition urgent consideration in the interest of justice, fairness, and the integrity of the party.
