He maintained that the Senator’s performance was particularly impressive considering that he entered the Senate without previous experience in the National Assembly.
“If you have not been there before, like yourself, you did not go there and just sit down. You should expect him to perform. I think he has done very well because he has learned very fast,” Igbakpa said.
The former lawmaker further described Dafinone’s relationship-building efforts and extensive engagements as investments that would yield greater benefits for Delta Central in the future.
Drawing an analogy from agriculture, Igbakpa said the Senator had spent his first term planting important seeds and building relationships that should now be nurtured to maturity through a second term in office.
“It is only fair that when you plant a seed, that plant should grow and bear fruit. I believe he has planted a lot in this first term, so we should send him back. Going back this time is to harvest. Don't be afraid, because he has made the contacts,” he stated.
Igbakpa, who disclosed that he closely follows the activities of the Delta Central Senator through social media and other platforms, also commended Dafinone for expanding his engagements beyond the conventional boundaries of legislative politics.
He said modern politics increasingly requires a combination of political skills, professional expertise and strategic engagement, adding that technocracy and politics could no longer be completely separated.
“So, I must tell you, my brother, that you are doing well. You are doing well. Initially, I would have said, ‘You cannot be a politician,’ but these days, you cannot separate technocracy from politics. I appreciate your penetration into other areas. That is the only way. That is the only way you can bring something home,” Igbakpa said.
The former member of the House of Representatives also used the opportunity to explain some of the challenges legislators face in attracting constituency projects to their respective areas.
He stressed that contrary to popular perception, lawmakers do not receive funds directly for constituency projects. Rather, according to him, legislators identify and nominate projects for their constituencies, while the executive arm of government is responsible for funding and implementation.
“But there is no money given directly to any legislator. You only have the privilege to nominate projects from your area. If the executive does not fund the project, there is nothing you can do,” he explained.
Igbakpa said the arrangement often makes it difficult for members of the public to fully understand the level of effort legislators must put into attracting development projects and other opportunities to their constituencies.
He noted that legislators primarily use their positions, relationships and influence to advocate for the needs of their people rather than having direct access to public funds for projects.
“So, when people talk about legislators as if the money is in their pockets, there is no money. They only have the authority to speak to anybody, face anybody and tell that person what they believe is right for their people. But they don't have the money,” he said.
According to him, any legislator who succeeds in facilitating projects and development opportunities for his constituency deserves recognition because such achievements often require sustained advocacy, strong relationships and strategic engagement with relevant government institutions.
Speaking on the political future of Delta Central, Igbakpa expressed optimism that the APC would benefit from improved cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders within the state.
He said previous misunderstandings that had affected communication and cooperation among certain political stakeholders had been resolved, creating an opportunity for the party to work together more effectively ahead of the 2027 elections.
“At first, there was a misunderstanding, so there was no deal. Our line of communication was zigzag. But now, we are back together as one,” he said.
Igbakpa assured Senator Dafinone of his personal support and pledged to work alongside other APC stakeholders to ensure the party records victory in the forthcoming elections.
“We are in the APC, and we will work assiduously to ensure that we win,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Dafinone for the consultation visit, noting that the Senator had made efforts to visit him earlier but was unable to do so because of activities surrounding the party primaries.
“So, rest assured, and I want to thank you. I know you wanted to visit me some time ago, but activities surrounding the primaries came up, and you still considered it necessary to come. I appreciate that, and I assure you of my support,” Igbakpa added.
Earlier, Senator Dafinone called on members of the APC in Ethiope East Local Government Area and across Delta Central Senatorial District to remain united and work collectively towards ensuring the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The Senator urged party members to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and engage directly with voters within their communities and polling units.
He said the success of the party would depend largely on the willingness of members and supporters to work together, resolve internal differences and protect the party's interests at the grassroots.
“Go and meet those who may disrupt your efforts. We must unite to secure a decisive victory. Let’s work together as one team. The APC is the party for 2027, and it is my responsibility to convey this message to you, so you can share it with the others,” Dafinone said.
The consultation visit further highlighted the growing political activities and mobilisation efforts within the APC as political leaders and stakeholders across Delta Central begin positioning the party for the 2027 general elections.
