EXCLUSIVE: Dema Breaks Silence, Denies Stepping Down, Insists She Won NDC Delta Central Primary

Delta Central Senatorial aspirant of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Onome Bernice Dema, has dismissed reports suggesting she has withdrawn from the race, insisting that she remains firmly in contention and emerged victorious in the party’s senatorial primaries.

Speaking in an exclusive phone interview with Oasis Magazine, Dema broke her silence on the controversy surrounding the NDC Delta Central senatorial primary, describing claims that she had stepped down as “false” and “criminal,” while maintaining that she followed all procedures stipulated by the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before participating in the primary election.

“I am very solidly in the race,” she said.

“I was a member of the party before the stipulated deadline, obtained my expression of interest form, was screened and participated in the primaries. My people came out en masse to vote for me and I got the votes.”

The aspirant said she was in Abuja to pursue matters relating to the nomination process and dismissed speculation that she had withdrawn from the contest.

According to her, several individuals had approached her for discussions regarding the race, but she questioned why anyone would expect her to abandon an ambition she said was driven by a long-standing commitment to service.

Dema highlighted her more than two decades of community service, citing her traditional titles of Owanawana of Olomu Kingdom and Amevwenyan of Agbon Kingdom as evidence of her involvement in grassroots development long before seeking elective office.

“I have dedicated my life to serving my people. This is the first time I am coming out to run for office because I believe it is time to be a stronger voice for my people,” she said.

Addressing reports of an alleged reconciliation meeting involving former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, herself and party leaders, Dema categorically denied participating in any such gathering.

“I did not go for any meeting,” she stated, adding that the only official engagement she was aware of was a mandatory meeting called for senatorial aspirants in Abuja.

Reacting to suggestions that the national leadership of the party was mounting pressure on her to step down for another aspirant, Dema argued that the primary election had already provided an opportunity for aspirants to test their popularity among party members.

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“The primaries were a way of saying go out and face your people. If that process has been concluded, what exactly are they trying to discuss now?” she asked.

While acknowledging that the party remains the platform through which candidates emerge, Dema expressed confidence that the NDC would uphold its constitution and principles.

“The party has consistently preached integrity. If the same party now acts contrary to its own principles, it will not make sense,” she said.

She further maintained that any decision taken by the party would ultimately reflect on its credibility and commitment to the values it publicly espouses.

“The party has a constitution. The party has been singing integrity, integrity, integrity. If the same party that is preaching integrity now decides to do something contrary to it, it will not make sense,” she added.

On whether she would challenge any outcome she considers unfair, Dema said such decisions would be taken if and when the need arises.

“We will cross that bridge when we get there,” she noted, stressing that she would not take actions capable of damaging her reputation after decades of public service.

The aspirant also dismissed allegations that she was being sponsored by Senator to frustrate Omo-Agege’s ambitions.

According to her, she has no political alliance with Dafinone and recounted what she described as a previous disagreement with the senator over concerns raised by members of the Urhobo community in North America regarding accessibility to their elected representative.

“I have no business relationship with Ede Dafinone. The suggestion that he is using me is completely false,” she said.

Dema explained that her interaction with the senator stemmed from complaints by members of the Urhobo diaspora who wanted greater engagement with their elected representative, insisting that any attempt to portray her as a political proxy was unfounded.

She further emphasized that her political ambition is motivated by a desire to bring her international experience and global connections to bear on the development of Delta Central and the Urhobo nation.

According to her, her decision to enter the race was informed by a conviction that she could leverage relationships and development opportunities acquired over the years to benefit her constituents.

Referencing a recent visit to Burkina Faso, she noted that exposure to development initiatives across Africa had strengthened her determination to seek elective office and create opportunities for her people.

Dema urged political actors to prioritize competence and service over personal interests, warning that politics driven by patronage rather than merit would hinder progress.

“If we do not choose competence over connection and service over self-interest, we will continue to retrogress,” she said.

She argued that sustainable development can only be achieved when leadership positions are entrusted to individuals with the capacity and willingness to serve rather than those relying solely on political networks.

Asked if she had any message for Omo-Agege, who has also claimed victory in the primary, Dema declined to personalize the contest, saying all aspirants should remain focused on presenting their vision to the people.

“There is no particular message for any particular person. We are all there for a reason, and we should remain focused on our message to the people,” she said.

She also called on journalists and political commentators to exercise caution in reporting developments surrounding the primary, urging media practitioners to verify information before publication.

According to her, misinformation and unverified claims were contributing to unnecessary tension and confusion among party supporters and the wider public.This version incorporates the additional interview details while maintaining a balanced news-report style.