Delta Central: Dafinone Seeks Re-election, Gets Emerhor, Other APC Leaders’ Endorsement 

The lawmaker representing Delta Central at the National Assembly, Senator Ede Dafinone, on Sunday, declared his interest to contest the 2027 general election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Dafinone, who reeled out his achievements at the Senate on his first term, declared that he will serve the people of Delta Central with a renewed vigour if elected in 2027.

The declaration ceremony, which held at the popular Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli, had in attendance leaders of the party from eight local government areas of Delta Central.

The event, which had in attendance Delta Central APC leaders, including founding leader of Delta State APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Senator Ighoyota Amori, Olorogun John Oguma, Hon. Halims Agoda, Prof. Samuel Ibodje, South-South APC Chairman, Prince Koyoyo Uhrorho and eight LGA party chairmen, endorsed the Delta Central lawmaker.

Addressing the mammoth crowd party faithful, Senator Dafinone vowed to consolidate on ongoing development and expand economic opportunities across the district.

The lawmaker said his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with constituents and party hierarchy.

Dafinone, who described himself as “a proud son of the Urhobo nation,” expressed gratitude to the people for the mandate given to him over the past three years, noting that his stewardship had been anchored on accountability, measurable results and people-centred representation.

He said, “Leadership is not a badge of rank, but a burden of service. My approach has always been clear: engage our people, do the work, and deliver results that are real and measurable.”

The senator traced his values to the influence of his late father, David Omueya Dafinone, adding that his professional background as a chartered accountant shaped his methodical and results-driven approach to governance.

Highlighting his scorecard, Dafinone said his office had facilitated key infrastructure and social intervention projects, including advocacy for the revitalisation of the Sapele Seaport, the proposed extension of the Ujevwu-Itakpe railway line to Abuja, and interventions on the Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road.

He also listed the installation of 500kVA transformers in several communities, establishment of ICT centres in schools, and the Delta Central Medical Outreach, which screened thousands of residents for critical health conditions.

According to him, ongoing projects include a 50-bed hostel at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and a train stop station at Egbo Uhurie in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Dafinone further noted that his legislative efforts included sponsoring bills for the establishment of new federal universities in Isiokolo and Orerokpe, as well as interventions during the Okuama crisis, which he said contributed to the release of detained community leaders, including the Ovie of Ewu.

The lawmaker declared that his first term had been “consistent, vocal, visible and visceral,” stressing that all efforts were geared towards positioning Delta Central as a major economic hub.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as bold and necessary economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the policies, though challenging, were laying the foundation for long-term growth and national stability.

At the state level, he praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for infrastructural strides under the MORE Agenda, citing road projects, flood control initiatives and the Otovwodo Flyover as evidence of impactful governance.

Dafinone emphasised that alignment between the Federal Government, Delta State Government and the National Assembly remained crucial to unlocking greater development for the Urhobo nation.

“As we look ahead, Delta Central needs steady, thoughtful and accountable leadership that delivers consistently. The task before us is to build, consolidate and sustain progress for all,” he said.

Unveiling his second-term agenda, the senator pledged to deepen economic growth, expand youth empowerment and job creation, strengthen education, and advance strategic infrastructure.

He assured constituents that his administration would continue to prioritise policies and partnerships that empower communities and prepare young people for a changing economy.

“This journey has never been about me; it is about our collective future and ensuring that the next generation inherits a stronger and more prosperous Delta Central,” he added.

Reaffirming the democratic process, Dafinone said the final decision rests with the people, urging them to judge his performance based on tangible outcomes.

“Leadership is a trust renewed by the people, not assumed,” he said.

He concluded with a call for continued support from party members, women and youths, describing them as critical stakeholders in the district’s development trajectory.

Taking turns to speak at the event, a former Delta Central senator and opponent of Senator Dafinone in the 2023 general elections, Senator Ighoyota Amori, said Dafinone has done well and deserved to be returned for another term in 2027.

He noted that the endorsement of Dafinone is a consensus decision of Delta Central APC leaders and party members considering his excellent performance at the Red Chamber.

“I contested against Senator Dafinone in the 2023 election, but he defeated me at the poll. After the election, I approached the tribunal where I won the judgement. However, his election was upheld by the Appeal Court.

“Since then, I have been watching his performance at the Senate, and he has done well. The people of Delta Central are proud of his sterling representation.

“It’s our unanimous decision to support and endorse President Bola Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone for 2027 general elections. Dafinone will emerge as a candidate of the party either through consensus or direct primary. He’s our sole candidate for Delta Central”, Amori added.

In his remark, APC South South Youth Chairman, Comrade Koyoyo, described Senator Dafinone as loyal party man who has represented the people of Delta Central proudly.

Similarly, Delta Central APC leader and businessman, Olorogun John Oguma, said the decision to endorse Senator Ede Dafinone, was promised on his excellent performance at the National Assembly, saying the lawmaker handling of Okuama crisis, especially facilitating the release of the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, was enough to return him to the Senate in 2027.

Oguma declared that the endorsement of the Delta Central lawmaker would be pursued with all vigour and urged the people of Delta Central to support him.

Also addressing the crowd, Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, charged the people of the state, especially Delta Central to overwhelmingly vote President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, Senator Dafinone and other candidates of the party in the 2027 elections.

He lauded Governor Oborevwori and Senator Dafinone for their partnership which he said has attracted infrastructural development to the state, and commended President Tinubu for his reforms.

Also speaking, the founding Delta APC and former Governorship Candidate of the party, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Delta Central race in overriding interest of the party.

Emerhor commended President Tinubu and Oborevwori for giving a direction to the party, vowing to mobilise support for the re-election of Dafinone in the next election.

The declaration ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi; members of the state Assembly; LGA chairmen, party chairmen from Delta Central and leaders of the party from the senatorial district.