The atmosphere was charged with excitement as chants, music, and coordinated displays of support dominated the venue, signaling what observers described as a defining political moment for Delta Central. The turnout was widely interpreted as a strong endorsement of Senator Dafinone’s performance in office and a clear indication of his growing political base within the district.
In his declaration speech, Senator Ede Dafinone expressed deep appreciation to constituents for their continued support and confidence in his leadership. He emphasized that his political journey has always been guided by the principles of service, integrity, and accountability—values he attributed to the legacy of his late father, Senator David Dafinone.
Reflecting on his tenure in the Senate, Dafinone highlighted a range of constituency projects and interventions executed under his watch. These, according to him, include empowerment programmes targeted at youths and women, support initiatives for small and medium-scale enterprises, and the distribution of electricity transformers to improve power supply in various communities.
He also pointed to the establishment of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in schools across Delta Central as part of efforts to promote digital literacy and prepare young people for emerging opportunities in a technology-driven world. In addition, the senator referenced several medical outreach programmes that have provided free healthcare services to thousands of residents within the district.
Beyond constituency projects, Dafinone underscored his advocacy for key infrastructure and economic development initiatives. He specifically mentioned ongoing efforts to push for the development of the Sapele Seaport, improvement of road networks, and broader economic policies aimed at positioning Delta Central as a hub for investment and sustainable growth.
Declaring his intention to seek re-election, the lawmaker framed his ambition as a collective mission rather than a personal pursuit. “Today, I stand before you to formally declare my intention to seek re-election to the Senate. This journey is not about me; it is about our future. Together, we will do more, create jobs, empower our youths, strengthen education, and build a stronger economy for our people,” he stated.
A major highlight of the event was Senator Dafinone’s alignment with both national and state leadership ahead of the 2027 elections. He openly declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, commending their policies as bold and necessary steps toward economic recovery and long-term development.
According to him, continuity in governance remains essential to sustaining progress and ensuring that ongoing reforms at both federal and state levels yield meaningful results for the people.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the APC in Delta Central, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, praised Senator Dafinone for taking the initiative to formally declare his intention ahead of the party’s primaries. He described the move as a demonstration of accountability and transparency, noting that leadership must remain visible and responsive to the people.
Akpeki emphasized that the party would adhere strictly to due process in selecting its candidate for the senatorial seat, stating that the decision would be made either through consensus or direct primaries. He urged party members to remain united and actively engage in grassroots mobilization as the political process unfolds.
“Leadership must be accountable and visible. He has come before the people to earn their trust. When the time comes, the party will decide, but the people must remain engaged and prepared,” Akpeki stated.
The declaration event also featured goodwill messages and endorsements from several prominent party leaders and stakeholders, who unanimously expressed support for the re-election bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone.
Notable figures present at the event included Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Francis Waive; former senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Hon. Festus Agas; Hon. Austin Ayemidejor; as well as local government council chairmen, party executives, and members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Other stakeholders who addressed the gathering, including respected political leaders and community influencers, echoed the call for unity and continuity, stressing the importance of consolidating the gains recorded at both state and federal levels.
Political analysts have described the event as an early but strategic move toward mobilizing support ahead of the 2027 general elections. The scale of the turnout and the level of coordination displayed are seen as indicators of a well-structured political machinery within the APC in Delta Central.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the declaration by Senator Dafinone is expected to set the tone for intensified political activities within the district. For many supporters, Sunday’s event was more than a declaration—it was a demonstration of unity, strength, and a shared commitment to sustained development.
With the APC leadership in Delta Central expressing confidence in consolidating ongoing progress, the road to 2027 appears to have begun in earnest, with stakeholders rallying around a message of continuity, grassroots engagement, and collective advancement.
