The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections, securing overwhelming endorsement from key leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the district.
The declaration, which took place on Sunday at Oharisi Primary School, Ughelli, attracted a massive turnout of party faithful, stakeholders, and supporters from the eight local government areas of Delta Central, highlighting what party leaders described as a growing consensus around the lawmaker’s candidacy.
Among prominent figures who publicly endorsed Senator Dafinone were the founding leader of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; former senator, Chief Ighoyota Amori; businessman and APC chieftain, Chief John Oguma; South-South APC Chairman, Prince Koyoyo Urhoro; alongside other party executives and influential leaders within the senatorial district.
In his declaration speech, Senator Ede Dafinone pledged to serve with renewed vigour if re-elected, emphasizing his commitment to consolidating ongoing development initiatives while expanding economic opportunities for constituents.
He noted that his decision to seek another term followed what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultation” with party leaders and members of the electorate across the district.
Addressing the large crowd, the senator expressed gratitude for the support he has received during his first term, describing himself as “a proud son of the Urhobo nation” dedicated 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 stated.
Dafinone attributed his leadership values to the influence of his late father, Senator David Omueya Dafinone, noting that his professional background as a chartered accountant has shaped his disciplined and structured approach to governance.
Highlighting his achievements in office, the lawmaker outlined several key interventions, including advocacy for the revitalisation of the Sapele Seaport, the extension of the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line to Abuja, and sustained engagement on the reconstruction of the Effurun–Sapele–Benin Road.
He also pointed to constituency-focused projects such as the installation of electricity transformers across communities, the establishment of ICT centres in schools, and the Delta Central Medical Outreach programme, which he said has provided screening and healthcare services to thousands of residents.
According to him, ongoing projects include the construction of a 50-bed hostel at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, as well as efforts to facilitate a train stop station at Egbo Uhurie in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
On the legislative front, Senator Dafinone highlighted bills he has sponsored, including proposals for the establishment of new federal universities in Isiokolo and Orerokpe. He also referenced his intervention during the Okuama crisis, which contributed to the eventual release of detained community leaders.
Describing his first term as “consistent, vocal, visible and visceral,” the senator reiterated his commitment to positioning Delta Central as a major economic hub through strategic policies and sustained advocacy.
He further aligned himself with national and state leadership, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he described as bold and necessary steps toward long-term national stability.
He also praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for infrastructural development across the state, citing ongoing road projects, flood control measures, and the construction of the Otovwodo Flyover as evidence of progress.
Senator Dafinone emphasized that strong synergy between the Federal Government, Delta State Government, and the National Assembly remains critical to unlocking greater development opportunities 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 assured constituents that, if re-elected, he would focus on deepening economic growth, expanding youth empowerment programmes, strengthening education, and advancing critical infrastructure across the district.
“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, former senator Chief Ighoyota Amori, who contested against Dafinone in the 2023 elections, acknowledged the senator’s performance and endorsed his re-election bid.
“I have watched his performance at the Senate, and he has done well. The people of Delta Central are proud of his representation,” Amori said, adding that party leaders had reached a unanimous decision to support him.
Amori also declared his backing for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone, describing Dafinone as the APC’s sole candidate for the senatorial district.
Similarly, Prince Koyoyo Urhoro described the senator as a loyal party man who has represented Delta Central with pride, while Chief John Oguma commended his performance, particularly his role during the Okuama crisis.
Also speaking, Delta Central APC Chairman, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, urged voters to support all APC candidates in the 2027 elections, commending both the senator and the governor for their contributions to development within the district.
In a significant political development, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor announced his withdrawal from the Delta Central senatorial race, pledging to mobilize support for Senator Dafinone in the interest of party unity and cohesion.
The declaration event was attended by several high-profile political figures, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the state legislature, local government council chairmen, and other prominent APC stakeholders.
The development is widely seen as an early consolidation of political support within the APC in Delta Central, setting the stage for intensified mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.
