A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has issued a stern warning to lawmakers who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to expect automatic tickets in the upcoming 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a welcome party organized in his honour by Prince Francis Agbowosile in Ugbuwangue Community, Warri, Emami emphasized that all positions would be contested regardless of the defection status of current officeholders.

"We nor get agreement with anybody to that effect. Anybody wey say Dem nor go contest their position because them come join APC, lie. We must contest all positions," Emami stated firmly.

The APC chieftain clarified that while the party in Warri Federal Constituency supports the positions of the Presidency and governorship, they already have senatorial candidates lined up for Warri South and Warri North Local Government Areas for the 2027 elections.

During the event, a motion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the APC in the 2027 presidential election was moved by Daniel Mayuku, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly. The motion received support from Mofe Matthew Edema, a former chairman of Warri South Local Government Area.

Chief Emami put the motion to a voice vote among party members present, resulting in President Tinubu being endorsed as the APC's sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Notable personalities at the event included Prince Yemi Emiko and several other party stalwarts.

This development comes as political parties begin early preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the APC in Delta State signaling its intention to maintain internal democratic processes despite the influx of defectors from opposition parties.