The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has extended his congratulations to the winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State, describing their victories as "fully deserved." In a statement released on Tuesday via his official X handle, Keyamo specifically praised the emergence of Ifeanyi Okowa for Delta North, Ede Dafinone for Delta Central, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South.
Keyamo Praises Primary Conduct
Keyamo commended the conduct of the primaries and the high level of participation by party members across the state. He noted that the exercise witnessed a large turnout of what he termed "organic voters and members" of the APC, who participated at the ward level in a process he described as largely free and fair. "As a foundation member and leader of the APC in Delta and one of the first senatorial aspirants of the party in the state in 2013, I can state unequivocally that this is the best primary organised by the party in the state since its inception," Keyamo stated.
Call for Unity and Reconciliation
The minister called on aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith and work toward the unity of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. "Now is a time for healing and reconciliation. I urge all those who lost gallantly to take it on their chin and embrace the victors for the unity of the party and ultimately for victory of all our candidates at the general elections next year," he said. Keyamo also urged the victorious candidates to be magnanimous in victory by accommodating their opponents and supporters within the party structure, adding, "There is always strength in unity."
Commendation for State and National Leadership
Keyamo further commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful and inclusive leadership. According to him, Oborevwori's leadership style remains "second to none," adding that "2027 is just a coronation waiting to happen for him." The minister also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging internal democracy within the APC and allowing a free and fair process across the country.
Keyamo criticised aspirants who allegedly relied on influence from Abuja instead of engaging grassroots party members. "Those who ignored local and grassroots leaders and neither lobbied nor consulted them, but sought to get tickets from Abuja to impose themselves on the people, have now been brought down from their high horses," he stated. He added that the outcome of the primaries should serve as a moment of reflection for such politicians and an opportunity to return to grassroots party-building efforts.
The minister concluded by urging APC members, supporters, and admirers across the country to remain steadfast and committed ahead of future elections. "Stay strong, keep the faith, work hard. Victory is in sight," he said.
