The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State recorded strong participation, heightened political activity and heavy security presence across the state’s three senatorial districts, as party members moved to determine candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The exercises, conducted on Sunday across Delta Central, Delta South and Delta North, were largely described by party stakeholders as peaceful and credible, although an isolated violent incident was reported in Delta North.
In Delta Central Senatorial District, accreditation of delegates commenced at the Oteri Community Town Hall in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where party officials, aspirants and supporters gathered under tight security.
The process, which began gradually, witnessed the arrival of delegates from local government areas within the district as electoral officials carried out verification in line with APC guidelines before admitting participants into the voting arena.
Security personnel drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were deployed around the venue to maintain order amid heightened political activity.
Although proceedings experienced slight delays at the outset, the atmosphere remained calm as supporters of various aspirants displayed campaign materials and chanted solidarity songs while awaiting the commencement of voting.
Electoral committee members closely monitored the exercise, while party leaders repeatedly urged supporters to remain peaceful and orderly.
In Delta South Senatorial District, the primary election was conducted peacefully across wards in Isoko South Local Government Area through the Option A4 voting system.
Party members turned out early for the exercise, which stakeholders described as transparent, credible and reflective of internal party democracy.
At Emede, incumbent senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, participated in the process alongside party loyalists and delegates.
Security operatives were stationed across the area to prevent disruptions and ensure smooth conduct of the primary.
Several party members who spoke after the exercise commended the APC for what they described as a well-organised and transparent process, noting that delegates were able to freely express their preferences without intimidation.
The Delta North Senatorial District primary also witnessed a strong turnout of delegates and party supporters across voting centres, with accreditation and voting supervised by electoral officials and security agencies.
However, unlike other districts, the exercise recorded an isolated security breach after a voter was reportedly stabbed during the process.
Security personnel swiftly intervened to restore calm, allowing voting to continue as party members queued to cast ballots in the contest viewed as crucial ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during the exercise in Ward 8, Idumuje-Ugboko, and Ward 2, Onicha-Ukwuani, one of the contenders for the Delta North senatorial ticket, Senator Ned Nwoko , expressed satisfaction with the turnout, describing it as evidence of growing enthusiasm among party members to shape the future of the party in the district.
Many voters expressed optimism that the outcome of the exercise would strengthen unity within the APC and improve the party’s electoral chances in Delta North.
Meanwhile, in Ward 5, Onicha-Ukwuani, hometown of the Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, the APC senatorial primary was conducted peacefully at Nkwo Market Square amid a heavy turnout of members and visible security presence.
According to the Returning Officer for Ward 5, Mr. Famous Ishicheili, only registered card-carrying party members were allowed to vote, with the Option A4 system adopted for the exercise.
Supporters of former governor. Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ned Nwoko openly displayed placards and queued behind their preferred candidates for counting.
At the conclusion of voting, Isicheli announced that Okowa secured 2,150 votes, while Nwoko polled 97 votes in the ward.
Reacting after the exercise, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme described the process as peaceful and free of rancour, expressing optimism that political participation would further deepen unity and development in Onicha-Ukwuani and surrounding communities.
The APC primaries in Delta State come as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with party leaders repeatedly emphasising unity, internal democracy and peaceful participation as key to strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
