EFFURUN, Delta State — In a powerful display of unity and determination, leaders, elders, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District converged on the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, on Friday to chart a decisive path toward reclaiming political dominance in the 2027 general elections.
The high-powered strategic meeting, described by participants as one of the most unifying gatherings of the party in recent years, was spearheaded by the Senator representing Delta Central, Chief Ede Dafinone, who delivered a passionate charge for total collaboration, consistent engagement, and collective ownership of the party’s future.
Speaking to a packed hall of ward chairmen, local government party leaders, former lawmakers, youth and women leaders, and prominent traditional rulers, Senator Dafinone declared that the road to victory in 2027 lies not in individual ambition but in “strong collaboration and consistent involvement of every stakeholder.”
“The APC in Delta Central will only win big in 2027 if we work as one family. No single person can do it alone. The victories we seek — from the governorship to the Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and even council chairmanships — will come only when every leader, every member, every supporter takes full ownership of this party,” Dafinone said.
He commended the ongoing harmonisation and integration of the two parallel party structures that had existed in Delta Central in recent years, describing the process as “one of the smoothest and most sincere reconciliation efforts in the history of our party in this district.”
“The integration is progressing smoothly because it is anchored on mutual respect, trust, and a genuine desire to build a stronger, more inclusive APC. We are not just merging structures; we are merging hearts and minds for a common purpose,” the Senator stressed.
Dafinone, who has earned widespread respect for his calm, conciliatory leadership style since assuming office in 2023, pledged to continue investing personal resources and political capital to foster harmony across all eight local government areas that make up Delta Central — Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Sapele, Okpe, Uvwie, and Udu.
“I will not rest until every ward, every unit, every leader in Delta Central feels fully carried along. My doors, my phone lines, and my heart remain open 24/7 for the growth of this party. Together, we will deliver the kind of purposeful leadership that our people have been yearning for,” he assured.
The meeting also provided a platform for frank assessment of the party’s current standing in the district. Stakeholders acknowledged that while the APC retains strong grassroots support among the Urhobo people, internal divisions in the past had weakened its electoral performance, particularly in the 2023 polls.
Participants agreed on the urgent need for regular ward-to-ward engagement, improved communication channels, youth and women empowerment programmes, and a robust membership drive ahead of the 2027 cycle.
A major highlight of the event was a motion moved by Senator Dafinone and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders, pledging total loyalty and support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
The resolution read in part: “We, the leaders and stakeholders of the APC in Delta Central Senatorial District, reaffirm our unalloyed loyalty to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State. We pledge to continue supporting their efforts toward national stability, economic renewal, and inclusive development in Delta State.”
The pledge was greeted with thunderous applause and chants of solidarity, signaling a deliberate effort by the APC in the district to maintain cordial working relationships with both the federal and state governments while preparing to present strong candidates in 2027.
Prominent leaders at the meeting included former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, who sent a goodwill message; Chief Ayirimi Emami; Elder Godsday Orubebe; Chief Paulinus Akpe; Chief Pius Sinebe; Hon. Francis Waive; Chief Ejaife Odebala; Chief Solomon Edoja; and a host of serving and former local government chairmen and state party officers.
In separate remarks, several stakeholders praised Senator Dafinone’s leadership, describing him as “a unifier and bridge-builder” who has quietly worked behind the scenes to heal old wounds and reposition the party.
One youth leader from Ughelli North told journalists: “For the first time in a long while, we are seeing real unity. Oga Dafinone is not doing eye-service. He is walking the talk. If we follow this collaboration formula, 2027 will be a landslide for APC in Delta Central.”
As the meeting ended with a closing prayer and group photographs, there was a palpable sense of optimism in the air. Leaders exchanged warm embraces and renewed commitments to take the message of unity back to their various wards and units.
The PTI Conference Centre gathering has thus set the tone for what party insiders now call “Operation Total Recovery 2027” — a comprehensive strategy aimed at returning the APC to reckoning not just in Delta Central, but across Delta State.
With Senator Ede Dafinone firmly at the helm, rallying stakeholders around the mantra “Collaboration is our winning formula,” the APC in Delta Central appears poised to present its most united and formidable front in years when Nigerians go to the polls in 2027.
