PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTENTION: ALL EDITORS, POLITICAL DESKS, AND MEDIA HOUSES
STATEMENT ON THE LEGITIMACY OF DR EMMANUEL USIWOGHENE UNUAFE AS THE SOLE LAWFUL ADC GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE IN DELTA STATE
ASABA, DELTA STATE
The Media Office of Dr. Emmanuel Usiwoghene Unuafe wishes to clarify for the general public, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and members of the press the subsisting legal realities surrounding the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Delta State.
In light of recent misleading claims and unauthorized declarations, it is imperative to state unequivocally that Dr. Emmanuel Usiwoghene Unuafe remains the only legally recognized ADC governorship candidate in Delta State.
1. Judicial Affirmation by the Court of Appeal
The candidature of Dr. Emmanuel Unuafe is anchored upon a firm legal foundation, recently reinforced by the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026 delivered on 13 July 2026.
The appellate court affirmed that:
* The elected ADC State Executive Committees remain lawfully in office and cannot be dissolved or replaced by any caretaker body.
* INEC is expressly restrained from recognizing any congresses or primaries organized by unauthorized caretaker committees.
* Party leadership must abide by the party’s constitution; internal party affairs cease to be immune from judicial intervention once the party violates its own rules.
1. A Valid, INEC-Monitored Primary
Dr. Unuafe did not emerge through political proclamations or media gatherings. His nomination followed a lawful, democratic process:
* Lawful Authority: The primary was conducted by the duly elected ADC State Executive Committee the exact body whose tenure was affirmed by the Court of Appeal.
* INEC Recognition: The exercise was officially monitored, recognized, and certified by INEC.
* No Voluntary Withdrawal: Dr. Unuafe has neither withdrawn his candidature nor has his victory been set aside by any competent court of law.
1. Administrative Portal Uploads Do Not Equal Nomination
The attempt to present Chief Great Ogboru or any other individual as the candidate by uploading particulars to the INEC portal is an administrative act that cannot override statutory requirements.
We challenge those advancing rival claims to produce the following:
* Proof of the legally authorized primary in which Chief Ogboru participated.
* The certified INEC report monitoring that specific primary.
* A subsisting court order nullifying Dr. Unuafe's primary victory.
A nomination portal cannot be converted into a substitute ballot box. No administrative act or backroom agreement can extinguish the outcome of a valid, INEC-monitored primary election.
CALL TO ACTION
We urge the National Leadership of the ADC, political stakeholders, and the electorate to respect the rule of law, uphold internal party democracy, and abide by the subsisting judgment of the Court of Appeal.
Dr. Emmanuel Usiwoghene Unuafe remains fully committed to leading the African Democratic Congress to victory in Delta State under the firm protection of the law.
SIGNED:
Media Office of Dr. Emmanuel Usiwoghene Unuafe
ADC Governorship Candidate, Delta State