ASABA/Nigeria: Chairman of the Concerned Nigerians for Better Nigeria (CNBN), Olorogun Godwin Obire, PhD, has cautioned political actors from the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency against what he described as premature and misguided moves to eye the Delta Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 election. He said such ambitions run contrary to the collective interest of the district and the long-standing principle of equity.
Speaking in Asaba, the political strategist declared that the position currently occupied by Senator Ede Dafinone is not open for contest. He said the senator has earned widespread confidence across Delta Central through visible performance, accessibility, and a style of representation that prioritises the Urhobo interest. “The message from well-meaning leaders across Delta Central is clear: there is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senate seat. At a time when the people seek stability and continuity, it is only logical that a performing senator be returned for a second term,” Obire said.
He stressed that the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency has historically dominated the senatorial position since the days of the late Senator Felix Ibru. He recalled successive tenures held by Senator Brume, Senator Pius Ewherido, and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, noting that no other federal constituency within Delta Central has enjoyed such extended influence. “Their representation spans multiple cycles. Equity and fair rotation demand that others also be given the opportunity. Returning the seat to Ughelli/Udu in 2027 after such lengthy dominance is against the principles of fairness that the Urhobo Nation upholds,” he said.
According to him, many stakeholders view the alleged emerging ambitions from the constituency as unnecessary and insensitive, especially given the political balance the district now seeks. “Their constituency has had its time in the Senate. A renewed push to reclaim the seat now would amount to political overreach and the marginalisation of other blocs who have patiently waited their turn,” he added.
Obire further argued that challenging Senator Dafinone in 2027 would be strategically unwise. He said the senator has become a unifying and stabilising figure whose performance has brought dignity, investments, and renewed visibility to Delta Central. “Abandoning a performing senator simply because a few individuals want to recycle old ambitions would disrupt ongoing progress and weaken the collective strength of the district,” he said.
He maintained that leadership must be based on merit, not entitlement. “Politics is about service, not birthright. The era when one constituency cornered the senatorial seat has passed. Delta Central seeks a balanced future where performance, not old networks, determines leadership,” he said.
Obire concluded that support for Senator Dafinone’s second-term bid is growing across the district. He insisted that continuity remains the most strategic option. “As we approach 2027, the message is unmistakable: there is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senatorial seat. Senator Ede Dafinone has earned a second term, and equity demands that other constituencies respect a rotation that has long favoured them. It is time to consolidate progress, not derail it,” he said.
