SAPELE/Nigeria: The Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Chief Bright Abeke, has pledged to mobilise voters across the area for the re-election of Senator Ede Dafinone in 2027, making party reconciliation and grassroots unity central to the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s electoral preparations.
Abeke gave the assurance on Sunday during a meeting between Dafinone and former APC executives from the 11 wards of Sapele Local Government Area, held at the senator’s residence in Sapele, Delta State.
He argued that retaining Dafinone in the Senate would give the Urhobo nation the advantage of a ranking senator, whose legislative experience and influence could be deployed to attract more federal projects and development opportunities to Delta Central Senatorial District.
The council chairman expressed confidence that Sapele would record significant electoral support for the incumbent senator, attributing his optimism to what he described as Dafinone’s growing acceptance and performance in office.
Calling for collective commitment among party members, Abeke urged former and serving ward executives to resolve outstanding disagreements and rebuild relationships ahead of the next general elections.
He maintained that political differences within the party should not be allowed to weaken its grassroots structures, urging members to extend their mobilisation efforts to families, neighbours and other residents.
“Dafinone is well-accepted here, and we will ensure his victory. Everyone should reach out to their neighbours and families to support all our candidates. We cannot fight against our own; we must unite and work together to achieve victory,” he said.
Abeke further assured the senator that he would deploy his position and political influence to mobilise support for Dafinone and other APC candidates across the local government.
Responding, Dafinone identified reconciliation, communication and sustained engagement with party members as essential to strengthening the APC’s electoral prospects.
He urged former party executives not to withdraw from political activities because of past disagreements, but to remain involved in efforts to consolidate the party’s structures.
The senator also encouraged members with unresolved concerns to approach his coordinators in the 11 wards, assuring them that their complaints would receive attention.
“If you encounter any issues, please contact my coordinators in each ward. We are one party, and it would be a mistake to lose the election here in Sapele. Let’s ensure a strong voter turnout; we have the people’s support, and we will succeed,” Dafinone stated.
Providing an account of his constituency interventions, the senator disclosed that projects had been facilitated in 83 of the 85 wards across Delta Central Senatorial District.
He said he remained committed to his legislative responsibilities and expressed confidence that the APC’s grassroots organisation and engagement with stakeholders would strengthen its chances in the 2027 elections.
Dafinone also expressed optimism that the party would secure victory across the various elective positions in the district.
The Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Moses Ogodo, who also addressed the gathering, commended the reconciliation initiative and called on party leaders and members to put aside their differences.
Ogodo stressed that the APC needed a united front and effective grassroots mobilisation to secure convincing victories in the forthcoming elections.
“We must win, and we must do so with a significant margin,” he declared.
Similarly, the APC Chairman in Sapele Local Government Area, Mr. Francis Okpigben, assured members that he was prepared to listen to their concerns and work towards resolving grievances capable of generating further divisions within the party.
The meeting also offered representatives of the 11 wards an opportunity to present their concerns, identify organisational challenges and suggest ways of strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party leaders responded to the issues raised, emphasising inclusiveness, cooperation and the importance of restoring confidence among members.
Among the other prominent stakeholders present were Chief Barr. Adelabu Bodjor, Chief of Staff to Senator Dafinone; Hon. Hero Asagba, APC Sapele Local Government Youth Leader; and other party leaders and stakeholders from across the local government area.
