FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HON. EMIKO ODIN-ETUWEWE CALLS FOR FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY, AND DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN WARRI SOUTH WEST APC PRIMARY
Warri South West, Delta State — Hon. Emiko Odin-Etuwewe, former APC aspirant and current sole PDP aspirant for Warri South West, has expressed concern over the recent disqualification of aspirants in the Warri South West APC primary process, describing the development as harmful to internal democracy and the collective interest of the people.
Hon. Emiko clarified that although he initially obtained the APC expression of interest and nomination forms, he formally resigned from the party on April 30 over perceived imposition and concerns regarding the fairness of the process. He noted that he did not participate in any subsequent APC procedures following his resignation.
“It is unfortunate that aspirants in Warri South West were disqualified under circumstances that appear designed to pave the way for a single candidate,” he stated.
According to him, with only two principal aspirants in contention, the party had every opportunity to conduct a transparent direct primary election or facilitate a genuine consensus arrangement acceptable to all parties involved.
“A direct primary or mutually agreed consensus process would have provided the fairest and most democratic pathway for party members and stakeholders to determine their preferred candidate,” he said.
Hon. Emiko further stated that the political reality on ground remains evident, noting that the disqualified aspirant commands substantial grassroots support across six wards, while the aspirant eventually cleared reportedly controls less than four wards.
“In an open contest, whether through direct primaries or a broadly accepted consensus agreement, the true strength and acceptance of each aspirant would have naturally emerged,” he added.
He warned that excluding aspirants with visible grassroots structures from the process risks undermining confidence in the democratic system, discouraging participation, and deepening political divisions within Warri South West.
Hon. Emiko emphasized that his comments should not be interpreted as a call for unrest, but rather as an appeal for fairness, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for democratic principles.
“I am not advocating conflict or disunity. I am advocating a process that reflects the genuine will of the people. Credible primaries and inclusive consensus-building strengthen party unity and legitimacy, while selective processes weaken trust and cohesion,” he said.
He stressed that political progress in Itsekiri nation and Warri South West must continue to be founded on openness, equity, consultation, and democratic competition.
Hon. Emiko therefore urged party leadership and relevant stakeholders to reconsider the process and allow the democratic aspirations of the people of Warri South West to prevail.
Signed:
Hon. Emiko Odin-Etuwewe
Former APC Aspirant, Warri South West
Sole PDP Aspirant, Warri South West
