SAPELE/Nigeria: Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of the Senator representing Delta Central, Senator Ede Dafinone.
The endorsement was made during a thank-you visit by the newly elected APC executives in Sapele, led by the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Francis Okpigbe, to the senator’s country home on Saturday.
Okpigbe said the visit was both a demonstration of unity and an appreciation of Dafinone’s stabilising role during the recent local government congress.
“Come 2027, our senator will return to Abuja and remain there until 2031. That is what we stand for,” Okpigbe declared to party faithful at the meeting.
He noted that while the congress witnessed tensions in some parts of the country, the process in Sapele was peaceful and inclusive.
“In many other local governments and states, there were rancour and struggles for control. But in Sapele, the process was smooth. We were able to produce a harmonised list that carried everyone along,” he said.
The LG chairman credited the senator’s leadership and commitment to consensus-building for the calm atmosphere that characterised the exercise.
“Despite being a high-ranking public officer, he worked harmoniously with local leaders to ensure that all stakeholders were accommodated. That is why we are here to express our gratitude,” Okpigbe added.
He emphasised that the newly elected executives emerged through a process anchored on service rather than personal ambition, noting that party positions were responsibilities, not avenues for financial gain.
“Our duty is to work and ensure that APC carries the day in 2027,” he said, urging party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation, especially in light of the ongoing voter registration exercise.
“If you are not registered, you cannot vote. Victory depends on the number of registered voters we are able to mobilise. We must ensure that everyone aged 18 and above is registered,” he charged.
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Sapele APC structure, Okpigbe described the executives as the senator’s “first eleven” and pledged total support for his political future.
Responding, Senator Dafinone commended the executives for their unity and urged them to maintain cohesion within the party.
“Going forward, I do not want to hear anyone talking about factions. You are all one APC now. There is no need to dwell on yesterday,” he said, calling for competence, regular consultations and stronger engagement at the ward level.
He stressed the need for collective effort in delivering electoral success.
“You must work together to deliver APC in all units, wards and across Sapele. In 2027, it must be a complete victory,” he said.
The visit signals early political consolidation within the Sapele APC as the party begins to position itself for the 2027 elections, with local leaders affirming their commitment to Dafinone’s continued representation of Delta Central in the Senate.
