Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has congratulated Chief Solomon Val Arenyeka on his election as the new State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, along with the members of the newly constituted State Working Committee (SWC).
The congratulatory message comes in the wake of the Delta State APC Congress held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Cenotaph in Asaba. The congress, which proceeded by consensus, saw Chief Arenyeka emerge as chairman, succeeding Elder Omeni Sobotie. Other key positions filled included Elder Moses Iduh as Deputy Chairman and Chief Efe Uko as State Secretary, among others in the SWC.
In a statement signed and released on March 3, 2026, Senator Dafinone described the congress as orderly, peaceful, and transparent, qualities he said affirm the APC's democratic credentials and signal growing cohesion within the party's ranks in Delta State.
"I extend my warmest congratulations to the newly elected Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Val Arenyeka, and members of the State Working Committee, on the successful conduct of the State Congress and your emergence as members of the State Working Committee," Dafinone stated.
He praised the process that produced the new leadership, noting that it represented a clear vote of confidence from party faithful and imposed a solemn mandate for purposeful, courageous, and unifying leadership.
At a critical juncture in the party's political trajectory in Delta State—historically a stronghold of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—Dafinone highlighted high expectations from members. He urged the new SWC to prioritize consolidating internal democracy, strengthening party structures across the state's 25 local government areas, and entrenching a culture of discipline, accountability, and collective responsibility.
"These efforts," he emphasized, "will inspire confidence among the electorate and position the APC as a credible alternative."
The senator stressed the paramount importance of unity as the party gears up for upcoming political engagements, including preparations for the 2027 general elections. He called on the leadership to foster reconciliation where needed, harmonize diverse interests, and build a formidable, grassroots-driven platform.
"The task before us demands strategic mobilisation, effective communication, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of progressive governance," Dafinone added.
Chief Arenyeka's emergence marks a notable political shift. The Itsekiri-born leader previously served as chairman of the PDP in Delta State before aligning with the APC, reportedly as part of broader realignments involving Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other stakeholders. His election by consensus at the congress has been framed by supporters as a strategic move to unify former PDP members now in the APC fold, bolster the party's structure, and enhance its prospects ahead of 2027.
Governor Oborevwori, who attended the congress, charged the new executive to immediately begin preparations for victory at all levels in the forthcoming elections, underscoring the administration's support for the party's repositioning efforts.
While some reports noted the absence of certain heavyweights—including former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Ned Nwoko, and others—the congress proceeded smoothly, with party leaders hailing it as a step toward renewed momentum and unity under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Dafinone, a key APC figure in Delta Central, reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating closely with the new SWC. He expressed optimism about the party's future in the state, linking recent realignments to a maturing movement capable of delivering sustainable development and inclusive prosperity to Deltans.
"Once again, I congratulate the newly constituted State Working Committee. I look forward to working closely with you in advancing the vision of our great party and delivering sustainable development and inclusive prosperity to the people of Delta State," he concluded.
The development underscores ongoing efforts to reposition the APC in Delta State, where the party has historically faced challenges in establishing dominance. With the new leadership in place, attention now turns to grassroots mobilization, internal reconciliation, and building structures that can challenge the incumbent PDP machinery in future polls.
Political analysts view Dafinone's message as both supportive and strategic, reinforcing calls for discipline and unity while positioning the senator as a bridge-builder within the party at this transitional phase.
