By Josiah Ntekume
The argument that Senator Ede Dafinone should remain in the race in the name of “democratic contest” sounds appealing on the surface, but it conveniently ignores the deeper political ethics, precedents, and zoning understandings that have long sustained balance within Delta Central.
Politics, especially in a plural and sensitive constituency like Delta Central, is not practised in a vacuum of raw competition alone. It is guided by honour, reciprocity, and respect for agreements, both written and unwritten. Without these, what is left is not democracy, but disorder.
First, let us address the issue of precedent and sacrifice. In the build-up to the 2023 elections, O’tega Emerhor made a significant and strategic sacrifice by stepping down his senatorial ambition in support of Ede Dafinone. This was not done in isolation, it was part of a broader political understanding that enabled Ovie Omo-Agege to pursue the governorship, while allowing Okpe to produce the senator.
That decision was rooted in equity and collective interest, not personal ambition. It demonstrated maturity, discipline, and commitment to party cohesion. Today, that same spirit of sacrifice is what is being called upon, but this time for Senator Dafinone to do the same.
Second, the principle of equitable power distribution must not be discarded when it becomes inconvenient. The understanding in 2023 was clear: no single locality should dominate both the governorship and the senatorial seat simultaneously. Fast forward to 2027, and the same logic still applies. Allowing Okpe again to produce the senator, particularly when other capable leaders are in the race, would tilt the balance unfairly and undermine the very foundation of inclusion that holds Delta Central together.
If we dismiss this principle now, we risk creating a dangerous precedent where agreements are only respected when they favour incumbents. That would erode trust and weaken future political cooperation across the district.
Third, while open primaries are a legitimate democratic tool, they are not the only instrument for political stability. In many cases, consensus, when built on fairness and prior understanding, has proven to be a more stabilizing force than divisive contests. The current situation calls not for a contest of strength, but for a demonstration of statesmanship.
By stepping down, Senator Dafinone would not be surrendering power; he would be elevating himself as a leader who respects continuity, honours agreements, and prioritizes unity over personal ambition. Such a move would strengthen his political capital far beyond a single electoral cycle.
Finally, supporting O’tega Emerhor is not a concession to pressure, it is a restoration of balance. Emerhor has paid his dues, demonstrated loyalty, and shown capacity. Equity demands that the pendulum now swings in his favour.
Delta Central does not just need a winner, it needs cohesion, trust, and a sense of fairness among its constituent parts. Those cannot be achieved through a winner-takes-all primary that ignores prior sacrifices and established understandings.
In the end, true leadership is not always about contesting; sometimes, it is about stepping aside for the greater good. Senator Ede Dafinone has the opportunity to make that choice, and history will judge him more kindly for it.
Chief Josiah Ntekume is a member of Emerhor Political Family and wrote from Uvwie in Delta State.
