Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Ede Dafinone for the 2027 general elections, in what political observers describe as an early but significant signal of the party’s direction ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Sapele, where party leaders, ward coordinators, and grassroots mobilisers gathered to deliberate on the future of the APC in the area and its broader political strategy in Delta State. According to participants at the meeting, the decision to back the three political figures was unanimous and reflected a growing confidence among party members in their leadership style, governance approach, and political influence.
All 11 ward coordinators of the APC in Sapele Local Government Area reportedly supported the endorsement, underscoring the level of consensus within the party structure at the grassroots level. The stakeholders said their decision was motivated by what they described as the need for continuity, stability, and consolidation of achievements recorded by the endorsed leaders.
The motion for the adoption of the three leaders as sole candidates of the party in the 2027 elections was moved by the pioneer APC chairman in Sapele, Chief Lucky Esigie. In his remarks, Esigie noted that the endorsement was not merely symbolic but a reflection of the party’s determination to align early and strengthen its internal cohesion ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
“This decision reflects our collective resolve to support leaders who have demonstrated commitment to governance and the growth of our party,” he said. “We believe that continuity will allow for the consolidation of ongoing projects and the expansion of development initiatives that benefit our people.”
The motion was seconded by Mrs Thelma Tonwe, a prominent party figure in the area, and was subsequently adopted through a voice vote. The endorsement was met with a standing ovation from attendees, signaling strong approval and enthusiasm among party members present at the meeting.
Convener of the meeting, Chief Patrick Akamovba, provided further insight into the rationale behind the endorsement, particularly with regard to Senator Dafinone. He described the lawmaker’s performance in the National Assembly as visible and impactful, arguing that his representation of Delta Central Senatorial District had earned him widespread support across the region.
Akamovba maintained that Dafinone’s record in office had distinguished him from previous officeholders, noting that the senator had prioritised inclusive development and ensured that projects were distributed across different parts of the district. According to him, this approach has strengthened the senator’s political base and enhanced his credibility among constituents.
He also issued a cautionary message to potential challengers within and outside the party, suggesting that any attempt to contest the Delta Central Senate seat against Dafinone would face significant obstacles. “Those planning to run should reconsider,” he said, adding that the senator has already built a formidable political structure that would be difficult to dismantle.
In remarks that many observers interpreted as politically pointed, Akamovba contrasted Dafinone’s leadership style with that of previous representatives, arguing that past administrations tended to concentrate development projects in specific areas rather than ensuring equitable distribution. Though he did not mention names, his comments were widely seen as a critique of earlier political arrangements in the district.
The inclusion of Governor Oborevwori in the endorsement has attracted particular attention from political analysts, given the evolving dynamics of party alignments in Delta State. Oborevwori, who is not originally from the APC, has been at the centre of ongoing political realignments in the state, and his endorsement by APC stakeholders in Sapele suggests the possibility of shifting alliances and strategic partnerships ahead of the 2027 elections.
Analysts note that such endorsements, especially at the grassroots level, often serve as indicators of broader political trends. By aligning early with key figures, local party structures can influence the direction of party politics and shape the narrative leading into the election season. In this case, the Sapele APC’s endorsement may signal an attempt to build consensus and avoid internal conflicts that have previously affected party performance in the state.
The endorsement of President Tinubu also highlights the continued support for his administration among APC members in the region. Stakeholders at the meeting reportedly expressed confidence in the president’s leadership and policies, emphasizing the importance of continuity at the national level. They argued that backing Tinubu for a second term would allow for the completion of ongoing reforms and the consolidation of economic and infrastructural initiatives.
Political observers say the development reflects the early stages of mobilisation for the 2027 elections, even though the electoral cycle is still some time away. The move is seen as part of a broader strategy by political actors to position themselves and their allies well ahead of the campaign period.
While endorsements at this stage do not guarantee electoral outcomes, they play a crucial role in shaping political momentum and influencing public perception. For the APC in Sapele, the decision to publicly back Tinubu, Oborevwori, and Dafinone is likely to strengthen internal unity while sending a clear message to both supporters and opponents about the party’s preferred direction.
As political activities gradually intensify across Nigeria, developments such as this underscore the importance of grassroots engagement and early coalition-building in determining electoral success. With the 2027 general elections still on the horizon, the endorsement by Sapele APC stakeholders marks one of the first visible steps in what is expected to be a complex and highly contested political season.
