Senator Ede Dafinone has declared his bid for a second term representing Delta Central Senatorial District, securing unanimous backing from top All Progressives Congress leaders in the region ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made in Ughelli before a gathering of APC stalwarts, including Chief O’tega Emerhor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, and Koyoyo Uhrorho. Stakeholders from the eight local government areas of Delta Central were also in attendance.
Party leaders adopted Dafinone as the consensus candidate for the district, stating he will emerge as the APC flagbearer either by direct primaries or consensus.
Addressing supporters, Dafinone said his decision followed “wide consultations and reflection.” He pledged to build on his first-term record with renewed focus on economic development, youth empowerment, education, and infrastructure, adding that his approach to leadership is driven by “measurable results and people-centred representation.”
The senator listed key first-term interventions, including transformer installations, ICT centres, medical outreach programmes, and legislative advocacy for the Sapele Seaport revitalisation and railway expansion. He also cited his involvement in efforts to resolve the Okuama crisis.
Dafinone lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s infrastructure drive in Delta State, noting that synergy across federal, state, and local levels is critical for development.
The declaration received a significant boost as Chief O’tega Emerhor announced he would not contest the Delta Central seat, pledging full support for Dafinone. Chief Ighoyota Amori, Dafinone’s opponent in the 2023 election, also endorsed him, pointing to his performance in the 10th National Assembly.
Party leaders John Oguma and Paulinus Akpeki described the endorsement as a strategic step toward party unity, urging voters to back APC candidates across all levels in 2027 to ensure continuity in the district.
Dafinone closed by asking constituents to evaluate his record and renew his mandate, describing leadership as “a trust bestowed by the people.”
