•Unuafe
Dr. Emmanuel Unuafe of the Arden University, United Kingdom, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The 45-year-old academic and politician emerged through a consensus arrangement during the party’s primary election held in Asaba, reports The Nation.
The motion for the adoption of the consensus arrangement that produced Dr. Unuafe was moved by Mr. Timi Julius, a member of the screening committee and ADC chairman in Warri North Local Government Area, and seconded by the party’s legal adviser.
Addressing party faithful after his emergence, Unuafe thanked members of the party for entrusting him with the mandate, assuring them that he would restore the hope and confidence of the people in governance if elected governor in 2027.
He pledged to diversify the state’s economy from overdependence on oil and gas to agriculture through massive infrastructure development and the expansion of riverine and rural economies.
According to him, his administration would work towards making Delta State an economic powerhouse not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
On youth development, Unuafe promised to create employment opportunities for young people and establish sports academies across the state to harness talents and promote youth empowerment.
“Delta State will witness exponential growth in all sectors. I will also ensure the welfare of workers in the state and improve their working conditions,” he said.
The ADC candidate further pledged to block leakages and wastages in governance in order to increase revenue available for development and improve the living conditions of Deltans.
Speaking on the conduct of the primary election, Delta State ADC Chairman, Mr. Austin Okolie, commended members for their peaceful disposition and orderly conduct throughout the exercise.
He assured residents of the state that the ADC would provide effective leadership and deliver the dividends of democracy if voted into office.
Also speaking, Chairman of the ADC Screening Electoral Committee, Jerry Ojale, described Unuafe as the most qualified aspirant to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 governorship election.
“Many aspirants indicated interest but after the screening process, Unuafe emerged as the consensus candidate, who is the most qualified. Our candidate has the leadership pedigree to take the party to the top in the state,” Ojale stated.
Ojale also dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party in Delta State, insisting that there is only one recognised leadership of the ADC in the state under Austin Okolie.
“There is no faction in the ADC in Delta State. We have only one party chairman whose name is on the INEC portal, in the person of Austin Okolie. There is no alternative chairman and we have only one Delta State secretariat here in Asaba,” he said.
The primary election, which was conducted peacefully, was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies.
