Akpedeye-Ugwumba also pointed to historical imbalances in legislative representation to bolster her case against Waive’s re-election bid, especially in the Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu federal constituency.
“By 2027, Ughelli South would have served 16 years, Ughelli North 8 years, and Udu just 4 years. Rev. Waive’s bid only deepens this glaring inequality,” she explained, stressing that it violates Article 20(vi) of the APC Constitution, which enshrines geo-political balance.
On the senatorial race, she argued that Senator Dafinone’s potential renomination would be “a strategic blunder” for the APC, considering the fact that he hails from the same federal constituency as Governor Oborevwori.
“Fielding both the Governor and the Senator from Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie for the governorship and Senate is unconscionable and ungodly” given that Okpe Kingdom is just one of the 27 Urhobo Kingdoms that make up Delta Central Senatorial District. “Are the other Urhobos slaves?” she asked pointedly. “This goes against the Urhobo tradition and values,” she added.
Akpedeye-Ugwumba commended the precedent set by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who stepped aside in 2023 to allow a peaceful zoning arrangement, urging Dafinone to follow that example for equity’s sake.
“Dafinone and Waive’s desperation… speaks volumes about their questionable intentions and utter lack of integrity,” she added. “This blatant disregard for established norms raises serious concerns about their commitment to fairness and justice.”
The professor called on aspirants from Udu, Ughelli North, and Ethiope to rise and challenge the “unjust domination,” insisting the time had come for true representation.
“We are no slaves to accept perpetual marginalization. It’s time for true representation,” she added.
The bold and unequivocal statement is likely to send shockwaves through Delta APC’s power structure as the countdown to 2027 begins in earnest — with equity, zoning, and internal party justice now taking centre stage.
Prof. Akpedeye-Ugwumba, the only female aspirant from Ughelli North to have contested for the Federal House of Representatives seat under APC in 2019, has long been a vocal advocate for grassroots inclusivity and political fairness. Her intervention signals a brewing battle over the heart and future of Delta APC in Delta Central Senatorial District.
CREDIT: LEADERSHIP NEWS