Delta APC Primaries: How Ganagana Ended Mutu’s 27-Year Reign as Elumelu Ousted Okolie

The ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections in Delta State have delivered major political shocks, headlined by the dramatic unseating of long-term incumbents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​In a stunning development for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, soundly defeated the long-standing incumbent, Hon. Nicholas Mutu. Ganagana secured a landslide victory with 14,000 votes against Mutu’s 1,093 votes.

Barring any last-minute political realignments, this defeat effectively brings an end to Mutu’s historic 27-year tenure in the House of Representatives, where he has served continuously since 1999.

​Similarly, a high-stakes battle unfolded in the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, where the former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, successfully staged a comeback with the party’s ticket.

The Returning Officer, Mr. Val Arenyekan, officially declared Elumelu the winner after he defeated the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie. In a trending video, Okolie expressed shock that the election was already concluded before he got to his polling unit to vote around 11:am.

​The primaries across other federal constituencies saw a mix of fierce battles, comfortable victories, and brewing controversies.

​In Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi clinched the APC ticket, halting Nicholas Ossai’s bid to return to the green chamber.

​In Ethiope West, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Governor Chief James Ibori, successfully defended her ticket following a dramatic last-minute withdrawal of Hon. Ben Igbakpa, a former House of Representatives member who wanted to stage a comback.

​in Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu, Hon. Ejiro Waive secured a resounding landslide victory, clearing his path to seek re-election.

​Hon. Ramson Onoyake was declared the official winner by Returning Officer Mr. Charles Aniagwu in the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency.

​Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa grabbed the ticket for the Ika Federal Constituency, while the incumbent, Hon. Julius Pondi, successfully secured his renomination for Burutu.

​The exercise was not entirely without friction as the Isoko Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker Hon. Jonathan Ukodhiko was declared the winner by the Returning Officer and Delta State Commissioner for Power and Energy, Michael Ifeanyi Anoka with resistance from his rival. However, the result was immediately rejected by his main challenger, Hon. Dickson Ebegbare. Citing widespread irregularities, Ebegbare and his supporters fiercely protested the announcement, with the aspirant vowing to formally appeal the outcome.

​Despite the isolated friction, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, praised the overall execution of the primaries, describing the exercise as a transparent display of party unity.

​Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at his ward in the Okpe Local Government Area, Governor Oborevwori expressed immense satisfaction with the massive turnout and the orderly atmosphere.

​”The peaceful conduct of this primary election shows that our people are united and satisfied with the process,” Oborevwori stated. “The large turnout demonstrates the growing strength and acceptance of the party across Delta State. This dedication proves our members are fully prepared to drive the party to success in 2027.”

​Echoing the Governor’s sentiments, Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme commended the adoption of the Option A4 voting system during the primary election at Onicha-Ukwuani in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

​”To be completely honest, this is the best form of election for our country,” Onyeme remarked after casting his vote. “Option A4 promotes transparency, openness, and accountability, whereas secret balloting often invites deceit.” He lauded party members for maintaining peace and decorum throughout the state.

(Sun)