No automatic tickets for PDP defectors in Delta – Prominent APC chieftain declares

As the 2027 elections draw closer, Chief Ayirimi Emami, a well-known leader in the APC, has made it clear to those who recently left the PDP and joined the APC that nothing will be handed to them on a silver platter.

Speaking to party members and supporters in Warri on Saturday, Emami was straightforward: joining the APC doesn’t guarantee anyone a spot to run for office. “It’s not true that if you come into the party from another one, your position is assured,” he said. “There’s no arrangement like that. Every seat will be open to competition.”

This comes at a time when some are speculating that former PDP members who defected might be given special treatment. But Emami was quick to put that idea to rest. He stressed that while the party welcomes everyone, no one should expect special favors.

“In Warri South, Warri South-West, and Warri North, we have strong candidates ready to contest the Delta South Senatorial seat,” he said. “We’re ready to work with new members, but everyone must earn their place.”

Despite the tough stance on internal democracy, Emami also praised the leadership of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and President Bola Tinubu, saying their efforts have helped grow the APC and attract fresh faces.

“President Tinubu’s performance has made the APC a strong platform, and without that, we wouldn’t be seeing this wave of defections,” Emami noted.

The meeting also featured other key APC figures, including Senatorial Chairman Austin Oribioye, Prince Yemi Emiko, and Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, who all commended Emami’s steady leadership.

In a strong show of support for the party’s future, former House of Assembly member Daniel Mayuku moved a motion to adopt President Tinubu as the APC’s sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The motion was seconded by Hon. Mofe Matthew Edema and unanimously approved by the gathering.