Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has congratulated Ifeanyi Okowa, Ede Dafinone and Joel Onowakpo-Thomas on their victories in the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State.
Keyamo described the exercise as the most credible and peaceful primary election conducted by the APC in Delta State since the party’s formation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister said the victories recorded by the three candidates were well deserved, noting that the primaries witnessed an impressive turnout of what he called “truly organic voters and members” of the APC across wards in the state.
According to him, the conduct of the exercise demonstrated genuine internal democracy and reflected the true wishes of party members at the grassroots.
“I can state unequivocally that this is the best primaries organised by the party in the state since its inception,” Keyamo stated.
The minister, who identified himself as a foundation member and leader of the APC in Delta State, commended party faithful for their orderly conduct during the exercise and praised the transparent process that produced the party’s senatorial candidates.
He urged aspirants who did not emerge victorious to accept the outcome in good faith and close ranks with the winners in the interest of party unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Keyamo also advised the victorious candidates to remain magnanimous in victory by accommodating their opponents and supporters within the party fold.
“There is always strength in unity,” he said.
The aviation minister further commended Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as purposeful and inclusive leadership, saying the governor’s approach had strengthened the APC across the state ahead of future elections.
He described Oborevwori’s leadership style as “second to none” and expressed confidence that the governor would record a victory in the 2027 elections.
Keyamo also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting internal democracy within the APC nationwide and ensuring a level playing field during the party primaries.
Without mentioning names, the minister criticised politicians who allegedly relied on external influence rather than grassroots support to secure party tickets, saying the outcome of the primaries had reaffirmed the importance of consultation and engagement with party members at the grassroots.
He called on APC members and supporters across the country to remain united and focused ahead of the 2027 elections, expressing optimism that the ruling party would emerge stronger and more victorious.
