Blaze of Competition Hits Delta Central as Dafinone, Omo-Agege, and Emerhor Clash for Senate Position

•Majemite, Muoboghare, Mariette, Nani join race

By Akpokona Omafuaire

The race for the Delta Central Senatorial seat has commenced in earnest as seven aspirants have so far thrown their hats into the ring. At the center of this intensifying battle are heavyweights and rising forces alike. These are Senator Ede Dafinone; Rt. Hon. Augustine Omo-Agege; Chief O’tega Emerhor; Barr Samuel Mariere; Chief Patrick Muoboghare; Chief Fred Majemite and Chief John Nani, each bringing a unique mix of experience, ambition, and strategic calculation into an already crowded field.

The contest is rapidly evolving into a showdown between an established political dominance and an emerging political force that is determined to be reckoned with. What is unfolding therefore, is not just another electoral cycle, but a defining moment that could reshape the political trajectory of the district for years to come.

Familiar names like Dafinone and Omo-Agege carry the weight of political structure, name recognition, and entrenched loyalty. Their presence alone ensures that the race remains deeply rooted in the realities of power politics—where influence, alliances, and grassroots control often dictate outcomes. But this is not going to be a straightforward rematch of old political gladiators. Candidates like Emerhor, Mariere, Muoboghare, Majemite, and Nani are bringing new narratives into the race, challenging the notion that Delta Central must remain under the shadow of established power brokers. Their campaigns are tapping into growing public sentiment that calls for broader representation, fresh thinking, and a departure from the cyclical dominance of a few familiar figures.

Unique attributes our senator must possess —Stakeholders

Chief Olori Magege, former Chairman, Delta State Waste Management Board in a chat with Vanguard said the the expected senator of the senatorial district must be someone who loves Urhobo and can influence the politics at the center for maximum benefit of Urhobo nation in the midst of growing calls for the creation of Anioma State from the Delta State.

Magege said, “it is going to be a very well contested race, but I must add here that it is an all APC affair. I have not seen anyone in the opposition parties that have shown any interest whatsoever. I don’t even know those in opposition parties. The Urhobo nation, which is Delta Central, has very serious issues now that should preoccupy the attention of the next Senator representing the district. The first one is the proposed creation of Anioma state because that means the core Delta State will now be split into three Senatorial Districts since each state in Nigeria has three Senatorial districts.

“So if core Delta is created, and the two senatorial districts will become three, then the political elites in Urhoboland in Delta Central led by the Senator representing Delta Central, must look seriously at the delineation of the core Delta into the three Senatorial Districts since Delta Central as it is now, is made up of eight local government areas. Delta South is also made up of eight local government areas. So, if the third senatorial district is created, how will Delta Central, which is called Urhobo be delineated so that it will not be shortchanged?

“Therefore, we need somebody who is a political strategist. We need somebody who is a diplomat. We need somebody who can convince, who understands the politics of Delta Central and the core Delta. So the man I’m looking for to be my senator must be one who shows an uncanny ability to mobilize for a purpose, and that singular purpose now is to ensure that Urhobo nation is properly delineated to reflect the population, our contribution to the national economy and the human capacity existing in Urhobo nation that does not exist anywhere.

“On the loyalty of the person to Urhobo nation, I can see that trait in Dafinone, Emerhor, Nani, Majemite and Muoboghare. But, it’s too early to say now who among these people will emerge because the N75 million nomination and show of interest forms is not easy to come by right now. I’m looking at O’tega, Dafinone, Muboghare and Nani. Nani is an astute politician. So, loyalty to the Urhobo nation is what we should consider at the end of the day, because this is a very critical period in the political history of the Urhobo nation and one of these illustrious sons should be considered.” Magege said.

Former Vice Chairman, Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Justice Iyasere on his part argued that “by 2031, a decision would be taken by the electorates either to retain the APC or bring in another political party to manage the affairs of the nation. That critical decision would require men of sterling qualities to represent Urhobo interests. That is where I would rather suggest that Urhobo should think of a better and stronger character to go to the senate at this moment. The incumbent has done his best but to me, his best has not impressed.

“My stand therefore is that Senator Ede Dafinone should be replaced by another political force. First on my list of consideration is Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the former Deputy Senate President. He knows the National Assembly and has played the game at the highest level of political intrigues. He has built so many strategic political relationships that could be of great benefits to our people.

“His performance in just eight years has no equal. A University and Polytechnic stand to his credit. He is not the first or longest serving DSP but he gave a good account of himself in just eight years. If he returns in 2027, he would be operating in familiar terrain. In terms of balancing political interest and inclusiveness, the old APC members would be satisfied. Then, the question of the Okpe Axis taking the office of the Governor and the Senate for Delta Central would also be addressed with that consideration. There are 24 kingdoms in Urhobo and Okpe being one of the kingdoms should not take the two highest elective positions available to the Urhobo nation in 2027 particularly on the same political party platform.

“Another alternative is Chief Otega Emerhor. Considering his contribution to the APC as the founding leader, he would be a great replacement to the current senator. Otega has fought many battles to keep the party going. He was the first gubernatorial candidate of the APC in the 2015 general elections. He has a deep financial war chest and could make Urhobo proud as a senator.

“The third person that could be considered is Chief John Nani, the current Chairman of DESOPADEC. All these men are outside the Okpe axis. Fielding Ede Dafinone again could trigger a fierce political battle particularly when the opposition field a candidate from the other part of Urhobo. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a done deal. That should suffice for Okpe while either Omo-Agege, Emerhor or Nani should be considered for senate in 2027 in that order. This is my personal opinion.”

The electorate, meanwhile, is no longer a passive observer. There is a noticeable shift in tone as voters are asking harder questions, demanding clearer policy positions, and showing less patience for vague promises. The era of automatic loyalty appears to be giving way to a more competitive and unpredictable political environment.

Political camps are recalibrating strategies, forging tactical alliances, and quietly testing the strength of their grassroots networks. Every move is calculated, every endorsement scrutinized, and every public appearance weighed for maximum impact.

Yet, for all the noise and momentum, the question remains: who truly has the edge? Dafinone’s appeal lies in continuity and legislative experience. Omo-Agege commands respect as a seasoned political operator as former Deputy Senate President with a proven ability to mobilize support across the district. The other contenders, Emerhor, Mariere, Muoboghare, Majemite, and Nani, all political heavyweights, however, are steadily carving out their own spaces—positioning themselves as viable alternatives capable of disrupting the traditional order.

What makes this race particularly volatile is the absence of a clear front runner. Instead, Delta Central is witnessing a fragmented but highly energized contest where multiple candidates possess just enough influence to tilt the balance. As campaigns intensify and the rhetoric sharpens, the margin for error continues to shrink. One misstep, one strategic miscalculation, could prove decisive in a race where momentum can shift overnight.

Delta Central now stands at a crossroads. This is more than a battle of names—it is a contest of vision, strategy, and political survival. Whether the nod goes to a familiar power broker or a determined challenger, the outcome will send a powerful message about the direction of leadership in the district. For now, one thing is certain: the race is on a knife’s edge, the tension is rising, and Delta Central is bracing for a political showdown that promises to be as unpredictable as it is consequential.