Senator Dafinone Declares Second-term Bid

…Delta Central APC Backs Tinubu, Oborevwori for 2027

Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, formally declared his intention to seek re-election in 2027 yesterday.

The declaration took place at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli. It was witnessed by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who turned out in large numbers to endorse his bid for a second term.

In his speech, Dafinone expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, emphasising his belief that Leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and accountability—values he said were instilled in him by his late father, Senator David Dafinone.

Reflecting on his tenure, the lawmaker highlighted key achievements, including empowerment programmes, support for small businesses, the provision of electricity transformers, the establishment of ICT centres in schools, and medical outreach initiatives that have benefited thousands across the district.

He also pointed to ongoing advocacy for strategic infrastructure projects such as the Sapele Seaport, improved road networks, and broader economic development initiatives aimed at positioning Delta Central for growth.

Dafinone used the occasion to align himself with national and state Leadership, declaring support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He commended their policies, describing them as bold steps toward economic recovery and sustainable development.

“Today, I stand before you to declare my intention to seek re-election to the Senate formally. This journey is not about me; it is about our future. Together, we will do more, create jobs, empower our youths, strengthen education, and build a stronger economy for our people.”

Chairman of the APC in Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, commended the senator for publicly declaring his intention ahead of the party’s primaries.

Akpeki stressed that the APC would follow due process in selecting its candidate, either through consensus or direct primaries, while urging party members to mobilise support at the grassroots level.

Akpeki said, “Leadership must be accountable and visible. He has come before the people to earn their trust. When the time comes, the party will decide, but the people must remain engaged and prepared.”

Several prominent party leaders and stakeholders, including Prof. Sam Ibodje, Hon. Halims Agoda, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief John Oguma, Hon. Midwest Iboyitete, Prince Urhoro Koyoyo, Chief Ramson Ikweki, and Dr Mrs. Janet Oyubu, also spoke at the event and unanimously endorsed the re-election bids of President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Dafinone for the 2027 elections.

The event attracted top political figures, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, House of Representatives member, Hon. Francis Waive, former senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Hon. Festus Agas, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor, local government council chairpersons, local government party chairpersons, and members of the House of Assembly, among others.

The declaration signals an early start to political mobilisation within the APC in Delta Central, with party leaders expressing confidence in consolidating what they described as ongoing progress at both state and national levels.