CHIEF Ede Dafinone has emerged as the candidate of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) for the Delta Central Senatorial bye-election fixed for October 5, 2013.

At the end of a keenly contested primary at Ughelli Kingdom Hall, Ughelli in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Chief Ede polled 872 votes to beat his closest rival Sir Richard Odibo who garnered 352 votes.

Chief Napoleon Gbinije came third with 229 votes While Mr. Abel Oharume polled 56 votes in the primary that was supervised by the Deputy National Chairman of the party, Mr. Gerson Benson and the National Secretary of the party, A.D. Mohammed.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials were also on hand to monitor the primary and ensure that necessary procedures were followed in the primary which dragged till about 9.55 p.m.

Chief Odibo described the primary as free and fair while Mr. Oharume said he was satisfied with the outcome of the primary and pledged his support for the winner of the contest.

A drama was however added to the announcement of the result when Sir Odibo and Chief Gbinije refused to sign the final result sheets but instead walked out of the venue of the exercise.

Addressing newsmen shortly after signing the necessary result sheets, Chief Dafinone promised not to disappoint the Urhobos if he was eventually elected in the general elections.

He said he was elated to emerge the candidate of the party having worked tirelessly meeting the party members, the elders of the party soliciting for their support and that he eventually he won their hearts.

He appealed to other aspirants to accept defeat in good faith recalling that he lost the primary to late Senator Pius Ewherido but still worked for his success at the general poll and urged them to give him all the necessary cooperation to win the October 5, 2013 election in the senatorial district.