The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has congratulated the winners of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries in Delta State, describing their victories as “fully deserved.”

The minister specifically hailed the emergence of Ifeanyi Okowa for Delta North, Ede Dafinone for Delta Central, and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South.

Keyamo conveyed his message in a statement posted on Tuesday via his official X handle, where he praised the conduct of the primaries and the level of participation by party members across the state.

According to him, the exercise witnessed a large turnout of what he described as “organic voters and members” of the APC who participated at the ward level in a process he said was largely free and fair.

“As a foundation member and leader of the APC in Delta and one of the first senatorial aspirants of the party in the state in 2013, I can state unequivocally that this is the best primary organised by the party in the state since its inception,” he stated.

The minister called on aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith and work towards the unity of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Now is a time for healing and reconciliation. I urge all those who lost gallantly to take it on their chin and embrace the victors for the unity of the party and ultimately for victory of all our candidates at the general elections next year,” he said.

Keyamo also urged the victorious candidates to be magnanimous in victory by accommodating their opponents and supporters within the party structure.

“There is always strength in unity,” he added.

The minister further commended the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as purposeful and inclusive leadership in the state.

According to him, Oborevwori’s leadership style remains “second to none,” adding that “2027 is just a coronation waiting to happen for him.”

Keyamo also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging internal democracy within the APC and allowing what he termed a free and fair process across the country.

He criticised aspirants who allegedly relied on influence from Abuja instead of engaging grassroots party members.

“Those who ignored local and grassroots leaders and neither lobbied nor consulted them, but sought to get tickets from Abuja to impose themselves on the people, have now been brought down from their high horses,” he stated.

He added that the outcome of the primaries should serve as a moment of reflection for such politicians and an opportunity to return to grassroots party-building efforts.

The minister concluded by urging APC members, supporters and admirers across the country to remain steadfast and committed ahead of future elections.

“Stay strong, keep the faith, work hard. Victory is in sight,” he said.