UGHELLI, NIGERIA — In a defining moment for the political landscape of Delta State, Senator Ede Dafinone has secured a resounding victory at the All Progressives Congress Delta Central Senatorial Primary Election. Delivering a comprehensive acceptance address following the official declaration of results on Monday, May 18, 2026, the incumbent lawmaker described his success as a powerful validation of quality representation and an unambiguous mandate to advance the fortunes of the district.
The primary election, which drew thousands of party faithful across the region, concluded with Senator Dafinone polling an overwhelming 116,252 votes across the eight local government areas that comprise Delta Central. The staggering vote margin highlighted his deep grassroots support and firm control over the party's core structures within the senatorial district.
Accepting the nomination with profound humility, Senator Dafinone highly commended the entire electoral process, praising the national and state organizers for delivering an exercise that was transparent, open, free, and fair. He noted that Delta Central has historically been a highly competitive and intense political terrain, making the peaceful, organized, and credible conduct of the primary an inspiring demonstration of robust internal democracy within the All Progressives Congress. According to the lawmaker, the final figures announced by the electoral panel represent the authentic and uncoerced will of the delegates and party faithful who cast their ballots across the sub-regions.
In his victory speech, Senator Dafinone extended deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Delta State and the official leader of the party in the state, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. He lauded the governor's total commitment to safeguarding the institutional unity, stability, and upward progress of the APC across Delta State. Dafinone emphasized that Governor Oborevwori’s inclusive leadership style and clear dedication to ensuring a peaceful, transparent primary process had significantly bolstered the confidence of regular party members in the integrity of the political system.
The Senator also expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, for providing the visionary national leadership that continues to inspire hope and confidence in the future of Nigeria's democracy. He extended matching accolades to the APC National Chairman, the members of the National Working Committee, and the dedicated APC National Assembly Primary Committee for maintaining a strictly level playing field that guaranteed a credible outcome.
Specifically, Dafinone gave professional credit to the key officials who managed the physical logistics of the ballot, thanking the Collation Officer, Hon. Dr. Okiemute E. Benjamin, alongside the Secretary of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, Barr. Nusa Amagbor, and committee member Abimbola Samuel Dart, for the high level of transparency they displayed throughout the collation process.
Turning his focus toward the future, Senator Dafinone utilized the momentous occasion to extend an olive branch to his primary rival and fellow party heavyweight, Ovie Omo-Agege. Recognizing that internal party contests can frequently generate deep political friction, the Senator emphasized that primary selections are merely a temporary exercise in democratic competition, whereas the long-term advancement of the state requires a collective effort.
Elections and primaries may come with competition, but at the end of the day, we remain members of one big political family with a shared vision for the advancement of Delta State and Nigeria, Dafinone stated, issuing a direct call to action. He respectfully called on Omo-Agege and his entire campaign structure to dismantle their factional teams and join forces with his camp to guarantee total, undisputed victory for the APC in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Looking ahead to his legislative priorities, the lawmaker reminded his supporters that the task awaiting the party is significantly larger than any individual political ambition. He noted that the citizens of Delta Central expect impactful governance, rapid infrastructural development, youth empowerment, improved regional security, sustainable economic growth, and effective representation on the floor of the National Senate.
As the certified candidate heading into the general election, Senator Dafinone pledged to continue pursuing progressive policies and legislative programs tailored to uplift vulnerable communities, robustly defend the socio-economic interests of Delta Central, and contribute meaningfully to national development. He concluded his address by thanking Urhobo traditional leaders and party elders for their unwavering support, promising that he will never betray the massive confidence reposed in his leadership.
