As political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Tinubu Mandate Group (TMG), Delta State Chapter, has formally called on Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, to declare interest in the Delta Central senatorial contest.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Friday, December 12, 2025, following a stakeholders’ review meeting of the group.
TMG described the 2026 pre-election year as a critical period for consultations, leadership recruitment and strategic positioning across Delta Central, stressing the need for credible and experienced individuals to step forward early.
The group said its position is rooted in its long-standing political relationship with Emerhor, recalling the pivotal role played by its convener, Chief Ejiro Nomuoja, in mobilising grassroots support during the 2013 Delta Central senatorial bye-election.
According to the statement, Nomuoja and his team coordinated extensive community engagements, strengthened ward-level structures and expanded media visibility in support of Emerhor’s campaign.
TMG noted that the experience and organisational capacity built during that election underpin its confidence in urging Emerhor to contest the 2027 race.
Describing Emerhor as one of the most accomplished technocrats within the APC in Delta State, the group cited his academic credentials, including a First Class degree in Accounting from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and executive training at the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Switzerland, the Lagos Business School and other global institutions.
The statement further highlighted his distinguished banking career, with professional stints at Citibank, Fidelity Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank and Crystal Bank, before his emergence in 1995 as the youngest Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer in Nigeria’s banking sector.
I’llTMG also referenced his leadership role in the transformation of Comet Merchant Bank into First Atlantic Bank, as well as his later service as Vice-Chairman of FinBank.
Beyond the corporate sphere, the group pointed to Emerhor’s philanthropic footprint through the Fair Life Africa Foundation, noting its interventions in child reunification, educational sponsorship and welfare support for vulnerable families.
These initiatives, it said, reflect his sustained engagement with grassroots communities.
On zoning considerations, TMG argued that the continued dominance of the Okpe axis in both the governorship and the Delta Central senatorial seat does not reflect equitable political balance.
It maintained that the Ughelli axis, from which Emerhor hails, should be given the opportunity to produce the next senator in the interest of fairness and inclusivity.
The group also recalled Emerhor’s historical contributions to the APC, including his emergence as the party’s first governorship candidate in Delta State in 2015 and his continued support for party structures and candidates during the 2023 general elections.
According to TMG, Delta Central requires experienced and stable representation in the National Assembly as the state seeks to better align local interests with national development priorities.
It said Emerhor’s background and long-standing involvement in the APC position him to effectively serve that role.
While reaffirming its loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and expressing support for the developmental efforts of Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the group stressed that sending a competent and credible representative to the Senate remains crucial to the district’s political and economic aspirations.
TMG, therefore, called on political stakeholders, community leaders and party members across Delta Central to rally behind its appeal for Emerhor to enter the 2027 senatorial race, insisting that the district must present “its most prepared and credible candidate.”
