What began as a routine exercise to select candidates for the 2027 general elections has evolved into a wider conversation about internal democracy, succession politics, youth inclusion, and the concentration of power within a handful of influential families.

The controversy comes amid a wave of defections involving key APC figures, including former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Victor Ochei, and former adviser to the governor on health, Prof. Rukevwe Ugwumba. Political observers say the exits have exposed deep divisions within the ruling party.

At the centre of the debate are former governors James Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa, whose political influence continues to shape Delta’s electoral landscape years after leaving office.

Ibori governed Delta State between 1999 and 2007, before handing over to his cousin, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who served until 2015. Okowa succeeded him and remained in office until 2023. All three men have maintained strong political ties and continue to wield considerable influence within the state.

The APC primaries produced several candidates linked to the political heavyweights. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of James Ibori, secured a House of Representatives ticket, while Orode Uduaghan, daughter of Emmanuel Uduaghan, emerged as the party’s candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, daughter of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, also clinched a House of Assembly ticket.

Their emergence has fueled accusations that political power in Delta State is increasingly revolving around a select group of families.

Aggrieved party members argue that while the candidates are constitutionally qualified to contest elections, the circumstances surrounding their emergence have raised concerns over fairness and equal opportunities for other aspirants.

Many critics believe the party’s consensus arrangements and primary process favoured candidates with strong family connections, warning that democracy suffers when political offices are perceived as hereditary privileges rather than positions earned through open competition.

The controversy deepened with the emergence of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the APC senatorial candidate for Delta North, alongside reports that close family members are seeking other elective positions.

Former Speaker Victor Ochei, who defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to pursue his senatorial ambition, has become one of the loudest critics of the arrangement.

Ochei accused Okowa of attempting to establish a political dynasty in Delta North and alleged that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori personally approached him with offers aimed at convincing him to step aside for the former governor.

According to him, he rejected the proposal because he was determined to challenge what he described as political impunity and the concentration of power within one family.

God has blessed him with positions as councillor, chairman, commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, senator, governor and even vice-presidential candidate. What else does he want? It is better to leave the stage when the ovation is loudest, Ochei said.

His comments have resonated with some residents and political stakeholders who believe Delta politics requires fresh faces and wider participation.

The Coalition of Delta North Youths, a pan-Anioma group, also opposed Okowa’s Senate bid, arguing that younger politicians deserve more opportunities to contribute to governance and development.

Some residents questioned why political offices continue to rotate within a narrow circle while qualified young people struggle to gain access to leadership positions.

Others warned that democracy could be weakened if public offices are increasingly treated as family possessions passed from one generation to another.

However, supporters of the affected candidates have rejected claims of dynasty politics.

They insist that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to seek elective office regardless of family background and argue that denying anyone such opportunities because their parents once held public positions would amount to discrimination.

Community leader Fidelis Obiazikwor defended Okowa, describing the former governor as a transformational leader whose experience and achievements still make him valuable to Delta North and the country.

According to him, the focus should be on competence and performance rather than family ties.

The APC has also dismissed allegations of political inheritance.

State Publicity Secretary Valentine Onojeghuo maintained that all candidates emerged through legitimate party processes and should not be denied opportunities because of their lineage.

He advised dissatisfied members to strengthen their political structures instead of blaming successful candidates, adding that recent defections would not affect the party’s chances in future elections.

Despite the party’s defence, the controversy continues to dominate political discourse across Delta State.

Analysts say the debate reflects growing tension between established political structures and an increasingly vocal population demanding broader participation in governance.

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the fallout from the APC primaries could become one of the defining political battles in Delta State, with questions over political succession, family influence and the future of democracy likely to remain at the forefront.