The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, on Sunday formally declared his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections, receiving a sweeping endorsement from key leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the district.
The declaration, held at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli, drew a massive crowd of party faithful and stakeholders from the eight local government areas of Delta Central, underscoring what party leaders described as a growing consensus around the lawmaker’s candidacy.
Among those who endorsed Dafinone were the founding leader of Delta APC, O’tega Emerhor; former senator, Ighoyota Amori; businessman and party chieftain, John Oguma; South-South APC Chairman, Koyoyo Uhrorho; alongside other leaders and party executives across the senatorial district.
Declaring his ambition, Dafinone said he would serve with “renewed vigour” if re-elected, pledging to consolidate ongoing development projects and expand economic opportunities across Delta Central.
He noted that his decision followed “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with constituents and party leaders.
Addressing the crowd, the senator expressed gratitude for the support he has received over the past three years, describing himself as “a proud son of the Urhobo nation” committed to accountable and results-driven leadership.
“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,” he said.
Dafinone attributed his values to the influence of his late father, David Omueya Dafinone, adding that his background as a chartered accountant shaped his disciplined approach to governance.
Reeling out his achievements, the lawmaker listed key interventions, including advocacy for the revitalisation of the Sapele Seaport, extension of the Ujevwu-Itakpe rail line to Abuja, and sustained efforts on the Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road.
He also cited the installation of transformers across communities, establishment of ICT centres in schools, and the Delta Central Medical Outreach, which he said had screened thousands of residents.
Ongoing projects, according to him, 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 highlighted his legislative efforts, including bills for new federal universities in Isiokolo and Orerokpe, as well as interventions during the Okuama crisis, which contributed to the release of detained community leaders.
He described his first term as “consistent, vocal, visible and visceral,” adding that his focus remained on positioning Delta Central as a major economic hub.
The senator commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as bold steps towards long-term national stability.
He also praised Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for infrastructural development across the state, citing road projects, flood control measures and the Otovwodo Flyover.
Dafinone stressed that synergy between the Federal Government, the state and the National Assembly remained key to unlocking greater development for Delta Central.
“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.
He pledged that, if re-elected, he would deepen economic growth, expand youth empowerment, strengthen education and advance critical infrastructure.
“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.
In his remarks, Amori, who contested against Dafinone in the 2023 elections, said the senator had proven his capacity and deserved a second term.
“I have watched his performance at the Senate, and he has done well. The people of Delta Central are proud of his representation,” he said, adding that party leaders had unanimously endorsed him.
Amori also declared support for the re-election of President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori and Dafinone, describing the senator as the APC’s sole candidate for Delta Central.
Similarly, Uhrorho described Dafinone as a loyal party man who had represented the district with pride, while Oguma said his performance, particularly during the Okuama crisis, justified his endorsement.
Also speaking, Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, urged voters to support all APC candidates in 2027, commending both the senator and the governor for attracting development to the district.
In a significant political move, Emerhor announced his withdrawal from the Delta Central senatorial race, pledging to mobilise support for Dafinone’s re-election bid in the interest of party unity.
The event was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Guwor Emomotimi, members of the state legislature, local government chairmen and other prominent APC stakeholders.
