By Oluwakemi Kindness
The All Progressives Congress Delta State House of Assembly Screening Committee has cleared the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Dennis-Guwor, and 45 other aspirants to participate in the party’s assembly primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The committee, however, disqualified 36 aspirants, including the incumbent Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Emeka Nwaobi, following a two-day screening exercise held at the APC State Secretariat in Asaba.
According to the screening report on Wednesday signed by Committee Chairman, Uche Uzochukwu, and Secretary, Chiedozie Nwafor, a total of 82 aspirants were screened across the three senatorial districts of the state, with 46 successfully cleared.
Guwor Emerges Sole Cleared Aspirant
Uzochukwu stated that Guwor, who is seeking to represent Warri South-West Constituency, emerged as the only aspirant cleared in the constituency.
The committee also cleared 16 serving lawmakers of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly seeking reelection.
Three members of the Delta State Executive Council — Funyei Manager, Harry Trakirlowei, and Orode Uduaghan — were equally cleared to proceed to the primaries.
Why Aspirants Were Disqualified
The committee said several aspirants were disqualified over issues including alleged inducement and attempted bribery of committee members, failure to present Permanent Voter Cards and valid party membership slips, conflicting dates of birth, and inconsistencies in official documents.
Other reasons cited included unsworn affidavits, irregularities in nominators’ membership records, failure to comply with party guidelines on ward nominations, and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act regarding resignation from political appointments.
The panel also warned against violations of zoning arrangements in some constituencies, noting that such actions could affect the party’s chances in the 2027 elections.
Key Outcomes Across Constituencies
In Delta North Senatorial District, Majority Leader Emeka Nwaobi failed to secure clearance for Aniocha North Constituency.
Also disqualified in the constituency were Awunor Alexander Chidubem, Dr. Vincent Ugbeiaje, Esonanjo Chukwunweike, and Gabriel Nwajei, while Fidel Onwodi and Mary Ebeigbe were cleared.
In Oshimili North Constituency, Frank Esenwah was disqualified, while Innocent Esewezie secured clearance.
For Ika South Constituency, Lucky Abanjo failed the screening, while Mrs. Cordelia Anyanwu was cleared to contest.
Meanwhile, Marilyn Dumkelechukwu Okowa-Daramola was cleared to contest for Ika North East Constituency.
In Oshimili South Constituency, Bridget Anyafulu secured clearance, while Nsugbe Anthony was disqualified.
