2027: ‘We Have Everything Now’ — Chief Ayiri Emami On Gov Oborevwori’s Defection, Says No Automatic Tickets in APC For Delta South

Chief Ayirimi Emami, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Warri Federal Constituency, has broken his silence about the defection of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and entire PDP structure in the state to the APC, reaffirming his commitment to the party’s unity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports Chief Ayiri spoke on Saturday, May 24, during a celebration marking his return from abroad and his golden jubilee birthday party, attended by numerous APC leaders and supporters in the state.

He clarified that there would be no automatic ticket for new members joining the APC particularly in Delta South senatorial district of the state. “All legislative positions in Warri Federal Constituency and Delta South Senatorial District will be contested in 2027,” he declared.

Chief Emami commended President Bola Tinubu’s leadership for strengthening the APC, which has led to the influx of defectors from the PDP.

“While I was away, PDP collapsed into APC in Delta State. Today, I participated in an election and didn’t win the governorship, but now I have the governorship without even contesting. We have the governorship now,” he said with pride.

“Somebody insulted me before, saying I don’t even have a House of Assembly. I lost the House of Assembly in an election, but today, without any election, I have one. They mocked me that I don’t have a House of Representatives, but today, I have one without contesting. They asked if I have an APC local government chairman—again, I lost the election but now, I sit on my own and they brought a local government chairman of APC extraction.”

Chief Emami however reflected on the political journey, stating, “All these achievements happened because we had strong leadership from Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. I must always remember where I am coming from—if I don’t know where I am going, I must know where I am coming from. We will continue working with our new friends and old friends alike. Whether PDP or APC, we know ourselves.”

Advertisement

He dismissed fears about new members diluting the party, asserting, “They are not new people; they are the same people we knew before. We all run these towns, so why panic? We must work together.”

He also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of supporting him for 2027: “We have one father—President Bola Adhem Tinubu—and we will continue to support him. Whether we like it or not, we must support Jagaban. If you support Jagaban and oppose the governor, you are a witch. Now, everyone is united, so we must support both the president and the governor.”

Addressing party membership and 2027 candidature, Chief Emami warned, “Joining APC does not guarantee an automatic ticket—it’s a lie. But for governorship and presidency, those are different cases. I support the governor and the president because of our shared commitment to Ovie Omo-Agege, who was our governorship candidate and has done a lot for us. I will never forget him.”

He added, “When I heard some people say they wouldn’t allow PDP members to join us, I questioned why they should stop them, especially when they bring resources that can ease our burden. Tinubu is our leader; Sheriff is our governor, and we have no other. For the Senate, House of Assembly, and House of Representatives, we will continue to work and support the elected but come 2027 we have no automatic ticket for them..”

Chief Ayiri maintained that he does not support people based on financial gain. saying “ëveryone knows that I don’t support people because of money. I am not those politicians who will see new people and say whoever is not here is a comedian. I am not a politician that destroys others. Anybody that’s not here we will call them to come and join us”.

Chief Emami however reaffirming his loyalty to Ovie Omo-Agege, stating, “Everything we seem to have lost, we now have back—resources, leadership, and unity. We will enjoy the resources brought in and continue building together.”

Advertisement

Leaders such as Delta South APC Senatorial Chairman Mr. Austin Oribioye, Prince Yemi Emiko, and others also spoke at the event. Former Delta State House of Assembly member Hon. Daniel Mayuku proposed that President Tinubu be endorsed as the sole APC candidate for the 2027 presidential election, a motion supported by Hon. Mofe Matthew Edema, during the celebration presided over by Chief Emami.