Dafinone Announces Second Term Bid, Receives Endorsement From APC Leaders

According to Ireporter Online, Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central, has formally declared his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 general elections, receiving a strong endorsement from prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the district.

The declaration ceremony, held at Oharisi Primary School in Ughelli, attracted a large turnout of party faithful, stakeholders, and political figures drawn from the eight local government areas of Delta Central.

Key APC leaders who openly backed his re-election bid include the party’s founding leader in Delta State, O’tega Emerhor; former senator, Ighoyota Amori; businessman and party stalwart, John Oguma; and the South-South APC Chairman, Koyoyo Uhrorho, alongside other senior party executives across the senatorial district.

Speaking at the event, Dafinone said his decision to contest again came after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with constituents and party stakeholders. He pledged to serve with renewed energy if given another mandate, promising to consolidate ongoing development projects and expand economic opportunities across the district.

He described his tenure so far as driven by accountability and results, stressing his commitment to effective representation. According to him, “Leadership is not a badge of rank, but a burden of service,” adding that his focus has remained on delivering measurable impact to his constituents.

The senator also highlighted key achievements during his first term, including advocacy for the revitalisation of the Sapele Seaport, efforts to extend the Ujevwu-Itakpe rail line to Abuja, and interventions on the Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road. He further pointed to community projects such as the installation of transformers, ICT centres in schools, and a medical outreach programme that screened thousands of residents.

He noted ongoing projects such as a 50-bed hostel at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, and a train stop station at Egbo Uhurie in Ughelli South. He also referenced legislative efforts, including bills for federal universities in Isiokolo and Orerokpe, as well as interventions during the Okuama crisis.

Dafinone commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for infrastructural development across the state.

Speaking at the event, former senator Ighoyota Amori declared that Dafinone had demonstrated competence and deserved a second term, noting that APC leaders had unanimously endorsed him as the party’s candidate for Delta Central.

Other leaders, including Koyoyo Uhrorho and John Oguma, also praised his performance, particularly his handling of constituency issues and crisis interventions, while urging continued support for APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

In a major political development, O’tega Emerhor announced his withdrawal from the senatorial race, pledging full support for Dafinone’s re-election bid in the interest of party unity.

The event was attended by several political heavyweights, including Delta State House of Assembly Speaker Guwor Emomotimi, lawmakers, local government chairmen, and other APC stakeholders across the region.