Popular comedian, known as, HK Chairman shut down the atmosphere with a lavish celebration in honour of his mother, , as she marked her 51st birthday amid pomp, music and emotional tributes.

The colourful event attracted entertainers, family members, close associates and well-wishers from different parts of the country, all gathered to celebrate the woman many described as the backbone behind the comedian’s success story.

The atmosphere was electrifying as guests danced, exchanged goodwill messages and showered encomium on the celebrant for her humility, kindness and unwavering support for her son’s thriving entertainment career.

Speaking during the celebration, HK Chairman emotionally described his mother as his “pillar of strength” and greatest inspiration, expressing gratitude to God for preserving her life and granting her grace over the years.

He said the lavish celebration was specially organised to appreciate her sacrifices, prayers and unconditional love which, according to him, played a major role in shaping his journey to stardom.

Guests at the ceremony praised Rita Matthew as a caring, hardworking and selfless mother whose positive influence extended beyond her family circle.

The celebration climaxed with live entertainment performances, special prayers and presentation of gifts as family and friends wished the celebrant many more years of joy, sound health and prosperity.

Incumbent Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for the 2027 general elections, defeating his only challenger, Hon. Michael Diden, by a wide margin.

Announcing the results at the APC collation centre in Oleh on Monday night, the chairman of the election panel declared that Senator Joel-Onowakpo polled 87,805 votes to defeat Diden, who secured 30,794 votes.

The incumbent senator reportedly led in seven out of the eight local government areas declared during the exercise, while Diden won in his home local government area of Warri North.

Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed gratitude to God and appreciated key leaders of the party for supporting his re-election bid.

He specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for their support and leadership throughout the primary process.

The senator also commended party leaders, local government chairmen, security agencies, and APC stakeholders across the eight local government areas in Delta South for what he described as their commitment to a peaceful and credible primary election.

According to him, the overwhelming victory was a clear demonstration of the confidence the people of Delta South have in his representation at the National Assembly.

“The way the people voted shows they have a lot of confidence in me, and I want to assure them that I will continue to provide quality representation,” he said.

Joel-Onowakpo added that he would be returning to the Senate not as a first-time legislator but as a ranking senator prepared to attract greater benefits and stronger representation for the people of Delta South Senatorial District.

He further called on party members and supporters to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the APC would record another massive victory at the polls.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has congratulated the winners of the just concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State, describing the exercise as the best conducted by the party in the state since its inception.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Keyamo congratulated Ifeanyi Okowa, who emerged victorious in Delta North Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone of Delta Central, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas of Delta South, for what he described as their “resounding victories” at the primaries.

According to him, the victories of the three candidates were fully deserved, noting that the primaries witnessed a massive turnout of “truly organic voters and members” of the APC across the various wards in Delta State.

The minister, who described himself as a foundation member and leader of the APC in Delta State, said the conduct of the exercise reflected genuine internal democracy within the party.

“I can state unequivocally that this is the best primaries organised by the party in the state since its inception,” he stated.

Keyamo called on aspirants who lost in the contest to accept the outcome in good faith and work with the victors for the unity and success of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also urged the successful candidates to be magnanimous in victory by accommodating their opponents and supporters within the party structure.

“There is always strength in unity,” he added.

The minister further commended Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he termed purposeful and inclusive leadership in the state, saying his style of governance had strengthened the APC ahead of the next election cycle.

He described the governor’s leadership as “second to none” and predicted victory for him in 2027.

Keyamo also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting internal democracy within the APC nationwide and allowing what he called a free and fair process during the primaries.

He criticized politicians who allegedly ignored grassroots leaders and sought to secure tickets through influence from Abuja, saying the outcome of the primaries had shown the importance of grassroots engagement and consultation.

The minister concluded by urging APC members and supporters across the country to remain steadfast and united ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing confidence that victory was within reach for the ruling party.

Dr. Ujam, who spoke with journalists at the APC secretariat in Asaba, said the committee was already reviewing petitions submitted by aggrieved party members and stakeholders over the conduct of the exercises.

He explained that the five-member panel was in Delta State in line with the provisions guiding the conduct of the APC primary elections.

According to him, the committee first arrived in the state on Sunday shortly after the House of Representatives primaries and later reconvened following the senatorial district primaries to continue its assignment.

“We have been receiving petitions and we will prepare our reports later. The process is still ongoing because the day is not yet over,” he said.

On the outcome of the senatorial primaries in the state, Dr. Ujam clarified that the committee’s mandate was strictly limited to examining complaints relating to the conduct of the primaries.

“As we receive the petitions, we are already reviewing them and making our notes on each one. But you do not expect me to divulge what we are doing,” he stated.

Speaking on News Central Television on Tuesday morning, Aniagwu dismissed allegations of manipulation and imposition raised by some aggrieved aspirants, describing many of them as “pretenders” who failed to prepare for the elections.

According to him, the primaries, which covered the 10 federal constituencies and three senatorial districts in Delta State, were conducted openly through the Option A4 voting system, making it impossible for results to be manipulated.

Aniagwu particularly faulted claims made by an aspirant from the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, saying the contestant lacked grassroots presence and failed to engage party stakeholders before the election.

He said the incumbent House of Representatives member for the constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, had already built strong support across the 30 wards in the federal constituency through consistent engagement with the people.

“Internal party elections are family affairs. You must know your party members, connect with leaders and engage the grassroots. You cannot sit in Abuja and expect people to vote for you on election day,” Aniagwu stated.

The commissioner praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for allowing a level playing field during the primaries, noting that aspirants who emerged victorious were those who had maintained strong relationships with party faithful.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC national leadership for allowing the democratic process to prevail without interference.

Aniagwu argued that many defeated aspirants relied heavily on political influence in Abuja instead of mobilising support at the grassroots.

“Some of them thought Abuja would simply coronate them. Unfortunately, the coronation venue became the wards where party members queued openly to vote,” he said.

Citing the Delta North Senatorial primary, Aniagwu said the overwhelming support recorded for former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, against Senator Ned Nwoko clearly demonstrated the mood of party members.

He stressed that in some wards, the queues in support of Okowa discouraged opponents from even participating in the voting process.

Aniagwu further dismissed claims that party officials were instructed not to announce results at collation centres, insisting that results were announced transparently across the country.

He explained that the APC only established appeal panels for aggrieved aspirants, stressing that no directive was issued stopping returning officers from declaring results.

According to him, successful aspirants such as Senator Ede Dafinone and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas won because they had maintained constant contact with party members through consultations, empowerment programmes and grassroots mobilisation.

Aniagwu maintained that the Delta APC primaries proved that political relevance could no longer be sustained through influence from Abuja alone without genuine grassroots support.

The Senator applauded the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to unity, stability and allowing a level playing ground for a free, fair and peaceful primary election.

He said, “Today marks a defining moment for our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and for the people of Delta Central Senatorial District.

“I stand before you tonight deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and fully committed to the responsibility you have entrusted to me through this resounding victory at the APC Delta Central Senatorial Primary Election. I thank Almighty God for His grace, wisdom and strength throughout this journey.

“First of all, let me sincerely commend the process of the primaries, which was conducted in a manner that was transparent, open, free and fair.

“Delta Central is a highly political terrain, and the peaceful and credible conduct of this exercise has once again demonstrated that democracy is alive and strong within our party. The outcome of today’s primary reflects the true will of our delegates and party faithful across the eight local government areas of Delta Central.

“I wish to specially thank the Executive Governor of Delta State and leader of our party in the state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his commitment to the unity, stability and progress of the APC in Delta State. His leadership and dedication to ensuring a peaceful process have greatly strengthened the confidence of our members in the party.

“I also extend my profound appreciation to our dear President and National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing national leadership that continues to inspire hope and confidence in the future of our democracy. I thank the National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee, and the APC National Assembly Primary Committee for ensuring a level playing field that guaranteed a free, fair and credible exercise in Delta Central.

“To our respected party elders, leaders, women, youths, stakeholders and the thousands of supporters who stood by me throughout this process, I say thank you. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every loyal party member who believes in unity, progress, inclusion and the future of Delta Central.

“Your sacrifices, prayers and unwavering support will never be taken for granted.

“I also wish to appreciate the Collation Officer, Hon. Dr. Okiemute E. Benjamin, Barr. Nusa Amagbor, Secretary of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, and Abimbola Samuel Dart, member of the committee, for the professionalism displayed throughout the exercise.

“Their commitment to transparency and due process strengthened the credibility of the outcome announced today.

“The figures announced today clearly reflect the confidence our people have placed in our collective vision for Delta Central. With 116,252 votes across the eight local government areas, our party members have spoken loudly and clearly about the direction they desire for the future. I accept this mandate with humility and with a deep sense of responsibility to serve with integrity, courage and dedication.

“I want to use this opportunity to extend a hand of fellowship to my brother and distinguished leader, Ovie Omo-Agege. Elections and primaries may come with competition, but at the end of the day, we remain members of one political family with a shared vision for the advancement of Delta State and Nigeria.

“I respectfully call on him and all his supporters to join forces with us as we work together towards total victory for our great party in the 2027 general elections.

“The task ahead is bigger than any individual ambition. Our people expect leadership, development, empowerment, security, economic growth and effective representation. As your Senator, I remain committed to pursuing policies and programmes that will uplift our people, defend the interests of Delta Central and contribute meaningfully to national development. Together, we shall continue to build bridges of unity and opportunities for future generations.

“Finally, I thank every supporter and every member of our great party and Urhobo leaders for believing in me once again. I assure you that I will not betray the confidence reposed in me. Let us move forward in unity, peace and determination as we prepare for victory in 2027. May God bless the Delta Central Senatorial District, may God bless Delta State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Prof. Alexander Akpodiete’s aspiration for the Delta central senatorial seat on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has continued to gain momentum following a high-level meeting with the leadership of the party in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Akpodiete, a legal practitioner of over three decades of experience met with key figures of the NDC, and the party national Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, where discussions reportedly centred on party consolidation, grassroots mobilisation, and the future of constitutional politics.

The Abuja meeting formed part of ongoing consultations aimed at strengthening the NDC’s structure across the country and positioning credible candidates for the 2027 polls.

Senator Dickson, at the event acknowledged Prof. Alexander Akpodiete as refined professional and an ‘American Lawyer’ who understands governance, leadership, and the aspirations of the people.

The former Bayelsa State governor assured that the party was determined to provide a platform for competent Nigerians with clear vision and integrity and giver leadership to the people and not to themselves.

“Our engagement was productive and focused on strengthening the party, deepening democracy, and preparing credible leaders for the future of this country.

“We are building a movement that will inspire hope among Nigerians, especially young people who are yearning for purposeful leadership.”

“Leadership is not about doing whatever you can do, leadership is about restraint for the exercise of power for the public good even if it is not to your benefit but you do it and encourage it to benefit of the public to protect our constitutional democracy.

“The NDC would continue consultations across the country to expand its support base and promote issue-based politics ahead of the next general elections.

Senator Dickson, at the event acknowledge Prof. Alexander Akpodiete as refined professional and an ‘American Lawyer’ who understands governance, leadership, and the aspirations of the people.

Akpodiete, while addressing journalists after the meeting, said his aspiration was driven by the desire to provide effective representation and attract development to Delta Central with his STHEAM Agenda.

According to him, “Delta Central in particular deserves responsive leadership that prioritises economic growth, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and improved welfare for the people.

“I am encouraged by the confidence and support shown by the leadership of our great party and this is part of broader efforts to build a stronger political platform that truly represents the interests of ordinary Nigerians.

“My commitment remains to the people of Delta Central were we must move beyond politics of promises to practical leadership that delivers opportunities, development, and inclusive governance.

Akpodiete also stressed the need for unity among party members and supporters, as their collective efforts would be critical in achieving victory in 2027.

Prof Alexander Akpodiete, was the only Delta Central senatorial aspirant and that attended the high profile meeting of stakeholders hosted by HE Seriake Dickson in Abuja.

Incumbent Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election for the 2027 general elections, defeating his only challenger, Hon. Michael Diden, by a wide margin.

Announcing the results at the APC collation centre in Oleh on Monday night, the chairman of the election panel declared that Senator Joel-Onowakpo polled 87,805 votes to defeat Diden, who secured 30,794 votes.

The incumbent senator reportedly led in seven out of the eight local government areas declared during the exercise, while Diden won in his home local government area of Warri North.

Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Senator Joel-Onowakpo expressed gratitude to God and appreciated key leaders of the party for supporting his re-election bid.

He specifically thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, for their support and leadership throughout the primary process.

The senator also commended party leaders, local government chairmen, security agencies, and APC stakeholders across the eight local government areas in Delta South for what he described as their commitment to a peaceful and credible primary election.

According to him, the overwhelming victory was a clear demonstration of the confidence the people of Delta South have in his representation at the National Assembly.

“The way the people voted shows they have a lot of confidence in me, and I want to assure them that I will continue to provide quality representation,” he said.

Joel-Onowakpo added that he would be returning to the Senate not as a first-time legislator but as a ranking senator prepared to attract greater benefits and stronger representation for the people of Delta South Senatorial District.

He further called on party members and supporters to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing optimism that the APC would record another massive victory at the polls.

The primaries were conducted using the direct primary system under Option A4, with voting held at ward levels across the eight local government areas that make up the senatorial district. The exercise witnessed massive participation by party members and was widely described as credible, peaceful and transparent.

Dafinone dominated the contest, winning convincingly across all eight local government areas with a wide margin, effectively making the race one-sided and reaffirming his strong grassroots support within the district.

Omo-Agege, who represented Delta Central for two terms in the Senate and later served as Deputy President of the Senate, had stepped aside in 2023 to contest the Delta State governorship election, which he lost to the incumbent Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. His return to the senatorial race, however, fell short against the incumbent lawmaker.

Announcing the outcome of the primaries, the Collation Officer, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute, flanked by Barr. Nusa Amagbor, Secretary, APC National Assembly Primary Committee and Abimbola Samuel, member, APC National Assembly Committee, stated that the process adhered strictly to party guidelines, noting that Dafinone secured the highest number of valid votes cast by party members across the wards.

A breakdown of the results shows that in Ughelli North, Dafinone polled 22,329 votes against Omo-Agege’s 1,873. In Ethiope West, where Returning Officer Charles Aniagwu confirmed voting across 11 wards with 10,326 registered members, Dafinone secured 7,646 votes as against Omo-Agege’s 317. Sapele recorded 10,460 votes for Dafinone and 117 for Omo-Agege.

In Uvwie, Dafinone polled 20,369 votes against Omo-Agege’s 377, while in Udu, he recorded 11,211 votes compared to 237 votes for his opponent. Ughelli South delivered 12,216 votes for Dafinone and 227 for Omo-Agege.
In Okpe Local Government Area, Dafinone garnered 18,050 votes out of a total of 18,244 votes cast, with Omo-Agege scoring 97 votes. Similarly, in Ethiope East, which had 15,447 registered members, Dafinone polled 13,971 votes, while Omo-Agege received 398 votes.

Sub totals from the eight local government areas show that Dafinone secured 116,252 votes, while Omo-Agege polled 3,643 votes, bringing the cumulative total votes cast to 119,895, further underscoring the one-sided nature of the contest.

The Secretary to the Delta State National Assembly Primary Election Committee of the Party, Barr. Nusa Amagbor who served as the retuning officer for the election, stated that; “Party stakeholders in Delta Central, our proceedings here today have been peaceful, and we sincerely thank you all for your cooperation and orderly conduct throughout this exercise.

“As you are aware, the election was conducted through the direct primary method, which has consistently been adopted for all our elections in Delta State, including those for the House of Representatives and the Senate.

At this stage, we are no longer collating results but making an official declaration, as the process has been duly concluded.

“By the powers conferred on me as the Secretary of the National Assembly Electoral Committee for Delta State, duly constituted by our National Chairman and the National Working Committee, I hereby affirm that the exercise has been successfully conducted.

“Based on the authenticated results before me; Senator Ede Dafinone scored a total of 116,252 votes, his opponent scored a total of 3,643 votes.

“Having satisfied all the requirements of our great party and having secured the highest number of valid votes cast in this primary, Senator Ede Dafinone is hereby declared the winner of the Delta Central Senatorial District primary election.”

Reacting to the outcome at Evwreni Ward, founding leader of the APC in Delta State, O’tega Emerhor, commended the conduct of the election, describing it as peaceful and devoid of acrimony.

“At the end of the day, we all embrace each other in unity. I’m not permitted to call the result, but I can tell you that the people voted massively for Senator Ede Dafinone,” he said.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Samuel Marierie praised the orderly nature of the exercise and the maturity displayed by party members, noting that the transparent process has further strengthened internal democracy within the APC in Delta Central.

In his reaction after he was announced winner, Senator Ede Dafinone commended the process and thanked the people of Delta Central for the confidence reposed in him again.
He said: “What is my comment and assessment of the election, and what is my overall take? First of all, let me say that the process of the primaries was conducted in a manner that was transparent, open, free, and fair. Delta Central is, of course, a highly political terrain, and I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who supported me throughout our great party in achieving this victory today.

“I will also take this opportunity to call on Distinguished Senator Uwe Omo-Agege to join forces with other members of our party so that we can work together for victory in 2027 across all positions.”

The battle over who flies the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag for Delta Central Senatorial District in 2027 is far bigger than the ambition of any individual politician. It is not merely about whether Senator Ede Dafinone returns to the Senate or whether former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege stages a comeback. At its core, this contest is about the honour, political maturity, and collective dignity of the Urhobo Nation.

For too long, the political destiny of many ethnic nationalities in Nigeria has been determined by outside interests and distant power blocs with little emotional or cultural attachment to the people. But the Urhobo Nation, as one of the largest and most politically conscious ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, has come of age.

The era when decisions concerning Urhobo representation could be dictated from outside Urhobo land should be over.

The question before APC leaders and stakeholders in Delta Central today is simple: should the Urhobo people freely choose who represents them, or should external forces impose a candidate on them through Abuja influence and political intimidation?

This is the defining issue of the 2027 Delta Central senatorial race.

Senator Ede Dafinone’s aspiration is fundamentally rooted in engagement with party leaders, ward executives, local government structures, stakeholders, and the generality of APC members across Delta Central. His political growth depends on the goodwill of the people. He understands that the mandate to represent Delta Central can only derive legitimacy from the consent and support of Urhobo leaders and party faithful.

On the other hand, the body language and political calculations surrounding the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, suggest a different approach entirely — one built less on persuasion within Delta Central leaders and stakeholders, and more on reliance on Abuja connections and outside political forces to secure the APC ticket.

That is where the real danger lies.

When a politician begins a race without faith in the judgment of his own people, without confidence in the decision-making ability of party leaders at the ward, local government, and state levels, and instead turns to external powers for imposition, it sends a troubling message. It suggests that the voices of APC stakeholders in Delta Central do not matter. It implies that Urhobo leaders lack the wisdom and political capacity to make informed decisions for themselves.

Nothing can be more insulting to a politically sophisticated people.

The troubling question, therefore, is this: when the time comes for the general election in 2027, will those Abuja political forces come to Delta Central to cast the votes? Will they mobilise the grassroots? Will they defend the party in the polling units? Or will it still be the Urhobo people whose votes ultimately determine victory or defeat?

If the votes of the Urhobo people will matter during the election, then their voices must matter during the process of choosing the candidate.

The Urhobo Nation is not a political toddler that must have representatives selected and imposed on it by outsiders. The days when political godfathers outside Delta Central could chew the meat and force-feed Urhobo people what to swallow should be over. Urhobo leaders, APC stakeholders, and party faithful possess the experience, political exposure, and democratic understanding to choose those who can best represent their interests at the National Assembly.

That is why the 2027 contest has become a referendum on Urhobo pride and political independence.

This is not simply about personalities. It is about preserving party supremacy and respecting the structures of the APC in Delta Central. A politician who openly disregards ward leaders, local government executives, party elders, and stakeholders, yet seeks to return to office through external influence, cannot genuinely claim loyalty to party supremacy.

Political parties survive on structures, consultation, and respect for internal democracy. Once candidates begin to emerge through imposition rather than consensus or transparent primaries, the party structure gradually collapses into irrelevance. Leaders become ceremonial figures. Party members become disillusioned. The grassroots lose faith in the system.

That is the danger APC leaders in Delta Central must avoid.

The reality today is that APC in Delta State is trying to rebuild itself into a stronger and more united political platform under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. This rebuilding process requires stability, consultation, and respect for party structures. Any attempt to bulldoze the wishes of party stakeholders through external imposition risks deepening divisions within the party and weakening the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Urhobo political leaders must therefore see this moment for what it truly represents — a defining test of political courage and collective self-respect.

If APC leaders in Delta Central surrender the power to choose their candidate to outside forces, they would effectively be signing away their own relevance within the party. They would be admitting that the structures they built over the years no longer matter. And once that precedent is established, it will become increasingly difficult for grassroots leaders to command respect within the party again.

The choice before Delta Central APC stakeholders is therefore clear.

They can either defend internal democracy, party supremacy, and the dignity of the Urhobo Nation by allowing party members and leaders to freely determine their candidate, or they can allow external political interests to override the wishes of the people.

History will remember whichever path they choose.

This is why many APC faithful now view support for Senator Ede Dafinone not merely as support for an individual aspiration, but as a symbolic stand for Urhobo honour, party supremacy, and democratic inclusion within the APC.

The larger message is simple: Urhobo people are capable of deciding their own political future. They do not need outsiders to impose leaders on them. They do not need political intimidation or Abuja manipulation to determine who speaks for them in the Senate.

The Urhobo Nation has come of age.

And in 2027, APC leaders and stakeholders in Delta Central must rise to defend that honour with courage, unity, and conviction.

So, the Delta Central 2027 election is about an Urhobo honour, but about the Delta APC future.

Ufuoma Egbe, a Delta APC Stakeholder, writes from Eku, Delta State