PRIMARIES: Waive Emerges Winner
By Matthias Ogbagah
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday conducted its House of Representatives primary for the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency through the direct primary system, with Rev. Ejiroghene Waive emerging as the party’s candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held on May 16, 2026, involved accredited party members across the constituency, who participated in the voting process in their respective areas.
Declaring the outcome, the Returning Officer, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, confirmed that the election commenced at about 11 a.m. and was conducted peacefully without any incidents.
Four aspirants contested in the primary: Rev. Ejiroghene Waive, Hon. Solomon Awhinawhi, Hon. Harvest Igben and Mrs. Eunice Okoh.
Speaking on the process, the Coalition Officers for Ughelli South, Ughelli North and Udu local governments, Amakimi Akemotubo, Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Enumachukwura, and Bright Okpako respectively, stated that the primary was orderly and transparent, noting that results collated from the three local government areas showed overwhelming support for Waive.
“At the end of the exercise, results indicated overwhelmingly massive votes for Rev. Ejiroghene Waive,” he said.
Reacting to the outcome, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, and Mr. Vincent Oyibode, Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, described the result as a reflection of the lawmaker’s performance and connection with the grassroots.
They highlighted key achievements attracted to the constituency, including a Federal Medical Centre, legislative progress on a proposed College of Agriculture, and a School of National Midwifery in Otu-Jeremi.
Also lending his voice, Olorogun Isaac Akpoveta, Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, described the outcome as a clear endorsement of credible leadership and effective representation.
“This victory is well deserved. It reflects performance, accessibility and commitment to the people. The overwhelming support shows that the people want continuity,” he said, urging party members to unite ahead of the general elections.
Similarly, Mr. Samuel Evwighono, former APC Chairman in Ughelli North Local Government Area, hailed the primary as peaceful, transparent and reflective of the will of party members.
“The process was credible and widely accepted. Our members came out to exercise their rights, and the outcome speaks for itself. Rev. Waive’s victory is a product of hard work and consistent engagement with the people,” he stated.
In his speech, Waive expressed gratitude to God, the party leadership and constituents.
“I am very excited and grateful to God. I thank the good people of Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu, as well as my party, the APC, for this opportunity. This is my third consecutive victory as a candidate of the party,” he said.
He assured constituents of improved legislative performance if re-elected.
“The confidence reposed in me will never be betrayed. I have raised the bar and will continue to raise the standard of representation,” he added.
Waive also called for unity among party members, urging his co-contestants to join hands with him ahead of the general election.
“It is a joint project. I invite all those who contested to come on board so that together we can deliver more dividends of democracy to our people,” he said.
Party stakeholders further appealed to aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to unite behind the party’s candidate as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
