*Says other positions contestable
*Oguma on his own on endorsement
*I’m running for Senate, he assures
By Victor Lewis
Against the backdrop of the recent endorsement of Senator Ede Dafinone and Hon. Francis Waive for second tenure in 2027 by the chairman of U3, Olorogun John Oguma, a member of the group, Olorogun Fred Majemite, has said that only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Sheriff Oborevwori are entitled to automatic endorsement in Delta Central, while the Senatorial seat and House of Representatives for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency are contestable.
It would be recalled that during a recent meeting of the U3 which took place at Ovwor Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area, the chairman of the U3, Olorogun John Oguma had during a speech openly declared the endorsement of Senator Ede Dafinone, the Senator representing Delta Central and Hon. Francis Waive representing the Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly for a second term in 2027.
However, reacting to the purported endorsement in an exclusive interview recently, a member of the U3 group, Olorogun Fred Majemite, stated that at no time did the group take any such decision during the course of planning for the U3 meeting, adding that such declaration was the personal opinion of Oguma.
Majemite further clarified that, as a Nigerian, Olorogun Oguma was entitled to his own opinion, stating that it was however unfortunate that some misinformed persons are associating the so-called endorsement of Senator Dafinone and Hon. Waive, with the official position of the group which only adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Sheriff Oborevwori for second term.
The Ughelli North chieftain of the APC, also disclosed that the essence of the Ovwor Olomu meeting was actually to strategize on how to apply and convert the numerical superiority of the U3 to deliver President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Sheriff Oborevwori for a second tenure in 2027, adding that the group had not done too well in the past.
Majemite expressed surprise at the manner in which the chairman of the U3, Olorogun Oguma, added Senator Dafinone and Hon. Waive in the list of those whom group originally planned to endorse in that meeting. According to him, prior to the meeting the group only agreed to announce its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Gov Sheriff Oborevwori for second term come 2027.
“U3 was formed principally to shore up the votes of that federal Constituency in favour of our governor come 2027. This is because we have realized that despite our numerical strength, including our voting strength in the State, we are not doing too well. So, for us to change that narrative, that is why we formed that body, U3, that is Ughelli North, Ughelli South and UDU Federal Constituency.
“So, at that meeting, we were to familiarize ourselves with the other group who have we just joined us. Before now, we had agreed that there will be no vacancy in Osadebe House in Asaba, and because we are now members of the APC, we also agreed that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock.
“If you recall, I had addressed a press conference a few weeks ago where I also made it clear that there is no vacancy in Osadebe House and Aso Rock, but that every other political position is contestable. So, it was really a surprise when that chairman made that statement. However, he is entitled to how he feels about any issue”, he said.
Majemite however expressed concern that it is still too early to start heating up the polity with issues of endorsement, adding that what is most interesting at this time should be amassing huge support for Governor Oborevwori and to make him know that he is doing well to guarantee victory for the APC in 2027.
He re-emphasized that at no time did the group agreed on the endorsement of Senator Ede Dafinone and Hon. Francis Waive for second term in ,2027, adding that he was aware there are other persons who are interested in contesting for the Senatorial seat of Delta Central and the House of Representatives for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.
According to him, it is easier to know who is most suited for a political position where two or more persons are allowed to contest for such position especially at the Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.
He said; “But some of us felt that it was even too early to endorse any candidate now because we still have about two years to go. And what we are interested in is that the governor is supported hugely by our members and to also make him know that he is doing very well as the governor, and come 2027, there won’t be any problem for us as a party.
“So, for me, the endorsement of the two other persons (Senator Dafinone and Hon. Waive) by the chairman of U3 is not what all of us agreed on. I also know that there are other persons who are interested in those two positions even among the us U3 members. You can only know what is better when you put two things together.
“So far, at their levels they seem to be doing well but there is the need to juxtapose them with other persons to know who is better of the two. So, to that extent, I’d enjoin them to do their best so that during the primary they will have things to campaign with. But for now, the endorsement made by the chairman, Olorogun Oguma, is not the endorsement of U3.”
Olorogun Majemite also used the occasion to declare his interest to run for the Senate seat of Delta Central in 2027, recalling that he had tried twice before. He however hinged his interest on the condition that he has to hear from God before he join the race for the Senate seat.
“For me, I’ve always said that I’m determined to serve the people at any level. You would recall that I’ve attempted the Senate about twice before. And come 2027, who knows? Like I told my friend that I’m just waiting for the face of God for direction. If God convinces me to go again, I would run. I’m just praying for God’s direction”, he said.
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