Omo-Agege’s Leadership Key To APC’s Success In Delta – Chief Ayirimi Emami

Popular Warri-based oil and gas business mogul and prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayirimi Emami, has described former Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as a leader who “clearly stands out” within the party in Delta.

Emami who made the assertion during an enlarged APC interactive stakeholders’ meeting of Delta South Senatorial District convened by Senator Omo-Agege, at Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South Local Government Area, said, “If there is anyone truly representing the APC, it is Senator Omo-Agege”.

Chief Emami emphasized that if other leaders could stand firm like Omo-Agege and remain committed to the core objectives of the party, the state would be easily captured in 2027.

He warned against internal divisions and urged party members to demonstrate genuine loyalty rather than switching allegiances for personal gain, maintaining that with party unity, internal discipline, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 elections, Delta will be an APC state.

Emami cautioned against ‘political betrayal’, stating that some individuals who publicly align with the APC secretly support opposing interests.

Specifically, he frown at some President Bola Tinubu’s appointees from Delta State, particularly from Warri South West and other parts of the state, who have refused to identify with the party or contribute to its growth.

“We know those who are APC in Abuja and PDP in Delta. These are the same individuals working against the party’s progress,” he stated.

Emami stressed the need to protect the party’s structure from external manipulation.

“Those who receive federal government benefits, such as small surveillance jobs, should understand that I prioritize giving these opportunities to party members. Instead of bringing outsiders, I ensure that APC members are the ones benefiting. That is the right thing to do.”

He called for a more strategic approach moving forward, ensuring that those appointed to leadership positions are truly committed to the party’s success.

“The truth is, many of the so-called leaders have never truly won their local government in an election. They sit in their houses and make decisions without understanding what happens on the ground. That must change.”

“On election day ,if you cannot even secure victory in your own stronghold, do you expect others to fight for you? Those who want to be leaders of the party in Delta should show us their results in the last elections,” he said.

He stressed that true party members must be dedicated and willing to defend the party’s mandate rather than aiding external forces.

“Now, we’re entering a new phase, a new journey. Many people are repositioning themselves ahead of 2027, but some only want to destroy our party from within.

“We must stand together with Senator Omo-Agege to prevent that. We’ll stand strong until we get it right. I assure you, we’re not newcomers to this political game.

Speaking on the 2023 elections, Emami acknowledged mistakes made by the APC, particularly in party leadership appointments.

“One of our greatest mistakes in the last election was how key positions were allocated, especially the state party chairman. We had people in charge who were more interested in personal business than in the success of the party,” he noted.

“The last election was a stark reminder of our weaknesses. Some APC members were quick to spread negative news about our own party. How can you win like that? Instead of defending our results, some so-called leaders helped the PDP discredit us. That’s a weak foundation. We can’t repeat the same mistakes. Our politics should be local, focused on supporting each other and stopping the betrayal of our party for personal gain. If we don’t stand together, we’ll continue to suffer.

Chief Emami urged APC members to engage in genuine grassroots mobilization, rather than relying on external influences to determine leadership.

He criticized individuals seeking political appointments without putting in the necessary groundwork, stating, ‘If you sell out your people, you’ll regret it. We must build a party structure that works for everyone, not just a few individuals.”

Emami stressed the importance of solidifying the party’s foundation before making moves towards 2027.

“As we look ahead to the next political cycle, before we move forward, we must fix our foundation. Our current party structure at the state level is built on shaky ground. If I don’t see people doing the work, I won’t support them,’ he asserted, warning against attempts to manipulate party structures for personal advantage.

Emami also highlighted the need for inclusive governance, advocating for fair representation across ethnic groups in Delta State.

“When I submit a name for an appointment, I ensure balance—one for Itsekiri, one for Urhobo, one for Ijaw in Warri. This is what real leadership looks like,’ he said.

He urged APC members to remain steadfast and committed, assuring them that the party has a strong future in Delta State if it remains united and focused.

“If we remain united, we will take control of this state and deliver real development to our people,” he enthused.