The All Progressives Congress (APC) primary elections for the House of Representatives in Delta State have reshaped the political equation across several federal constituencies, with notable victories, surprise upsets, and the emergence of new contenders ahead of the next general elections.
At the centre of the unfolding political developments is Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi, who emerged victorious in the Burutu Federal Constituency primary, setting the stage for a possible return to the National Assembly for a fourth consecutive term.
With his victory, Pondi appears to be the only serving member of the House of Representatives among the APC candidates in Delta State to secure a return ticket, further consolidating his influence within the party structure and the political landscape of the Niger Delta.
The primaries also produced one of the biggest political upsets in the state as veteran federal lawmaker, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, was reportedly defeated in the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency contest by Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana.
Mutu, who is said to have spent about 27 years in the House of Representatives, was widely regarded as one of the most experienced lawmakers from Delta State.
His reported defeat has already generated reactions across political circles, with observers describing it as a significant shift in the political dynamics of the constituency.
In Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Suenu-Ibori secured the APC ticket, a development many analysts believe further reflects the enduring political relevance of the Ibori family in Delta politics.
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, also clinched the party’s ticket for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, while Rev. Francis Waive retained the APC ticket for Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency.
Other candidates who emerged from the APC primaries include Hon. Onoyake Ramson for Okpe/Sapele/Uwvie Federal Constituency, Mr. Emmanuel Osazuwa for Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi for Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, Pastor Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko for Isoko Federal Constituency, and Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitemi for Warri Federal Constituency.
The outcome of the primaries is expected to shape political alignments and campaign strategies in the months ahead as parties intensify preparations for the general elections.
Political analysts say the emergence of both experienced politicians and fresh contenders signals a renewed battle for influence and representation across Delta State’s federal constituencies.
