By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has conducted its Delta State governorship primary, producing a United Kingdom-based academic, Dr Emmanuel Usivwoghene Unuafe, as the party’s flagbearer through a consensus and affirmation process held in Asaba.
Dr Unuafe, a lecturer at Arden University and a PhD holder in Project Management, emerged after other aspirants reportedly stepped down in his favour during the exercise witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), members of the press and civil society groups.
In his acceptance speech, the ADC governorship candidate said his emergence marked the beginning of a people-driven movement aimed at transforming Delta State through economic diversification, digital governance, agriculture, youth empowerment and infrastructural renewal.
Dr Unuafe, who described himself as a product of humble beginnings, said he understood the struggles of ordinary citizens and was committed to building a government that would work for all Deltans.
“I was not born with a silver spoon. Growing up in the village, I went through the struggles our people face today. For you to entrust this mandate on me is a privilege I will never take for granted,” he said.
The ADC candidate unveiled an ambitious development blueprint focused on reducing dependence on oil and gas by investing massively in agriculture and rural development.
According to him, his administration would prioritize farm-to-market road networks, establish cold-chain systems for preservation and export of agricultural produce, and encourage agricultural investments through policies that would leave more money in the hands of farmers and entrepreneurs.
He lamented the collapse of once-thriving industries in Delta State, including Delta Glass Company, textile factories and port facilities, saying the state had lost its economic pride despite possessing enormous human and natural resources.
“Growing up, Delta State industries functioned and gave us pride, but today many of them are dead. We have capable youths with enormous human capital, yet we are not harnessing their potential,” he stated.
Dr Unuafe also promised to revamp healthcare and education infrastructure across the state, particularly in rural communities.
He pledged to upgrade primary healthcare centres in every ward, improve teachers’ training, expand internet access in schools and invest in technical colleges to prepare youths for a digital economy.
The ADC candidate further disclosed plans to digitize up to 80 percent of government operations to block leakages, improve transparency and enhance workers’ welfare.
He expressed concern over the condition of public institutions and the poor working environment of government employees, especially judiciary workers.
“It is unfair and unacceptable that workers operate under terrible conditions while huge resources are being claimed in government.
My administration will ensure workers are properly looked after and provided with conducive working conditions,” he added.
On energy and environmental sustainability, Dr Unuafe said his administration would explore alternative energy sources including gas-powered electricity, solar farms, wind turbines and waste-to-energy systems.
He explained that waste recycling initiatives would not only help clean the environment but also generate electricity and create jobs for young people through community-based waste logistics and recycling programmes.
The governorship candidate also promised to establish football academies across the state to nurture talented youths and expose them to international opportunities, noting that his experience as a football referee in the United Kingdom had inspired his passion for sports development.
Earlier, the Delta State Chairman of the ADC, Engr. Austin Okolie, described the successful conduct of the primary as evidence of the party’s discipline, transparency and democratic culture.
He said the emergence of Dr Unuafe signaled “a new dawn for democracy” in Delta State and called on other political parties to emulate the leadership style of the ADC.
“We can now say that ADC is a party of great integrity and discipline. This is the beginning of a new vision for Delta State,” Okolie said.
He expressed confidence that the ADC would take over the reins of governance in the state and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Also speaking, Chairman of the ADC Primary Screening and Electoral Committee in Delta State, Hon. Jerry Ojiale, explained that although many aspirants initially showed interest in the governorship race, most later stepped down after the party’s screening processes, paving the way for Dr Unuafe’s consensus emergence.
Ojiale dismissed speculations about the existence of factions within the ADC in Delta State, insisting that the party had only one recognized state chairman and one official structure acknowledged by INEC.
“We have only one chairman in Delta State and that is Engr. Austin Okolie. His name is on the INEC portal and there is no alternative structure,” he said.
The primary election was conducted at the party’s secretariat in Asaba under the observation of INEC officials, journalists and civil rights organizations.