The Delta State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru as its governorship candidate for the 2027 general election, dismissing claims by Dr. Emmanuel Unuafe that he remains the party’s flagbearer.

The party’s position follows renewed controversy over its primary election, which produced parallel outcomes involving both aspirants.

According to a faction of the party, Ogboru emerged winner of a direct primary conducted in Asaba, where he reportedly polled 28,454 votes to defeat Unuafe, who was said to have secured 1,183 votes.

However, another faction of the ADC insists that Dr. Unuafe emerged as the consensus candidate in a separate primary and has continued to challenge the legitimacy of the exercise that produced Ogboru.

Reacting to the dispute, the Ogboru camp maintained that its primary was duly conducted in line with party guidelines and described Unuafe’s claim as invalid and unrecognized.

The development highlights the deepening internal crisis within the ADC in Delta State, where rival factions have continued to lay claim to the party structure and governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party leaders are yet to issue a unified national resolution on the disputed candidacy.