SAPELE, DELTA STATE – The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has unequivocally affirmed its full support for Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, in his bid for re-election in the 2027 general elections. The endorsement came during a thank-you visit by the newly elected APC executives to the senator’s country home in Sapele on Saturday.
Hon. Francis Okpigbe, the Sapele APC LG Chairman, who led the delegation, stated that the visit was a testament to the unity within the party and an expression of gratitude for Senator Dafinone’s stabilizing influence during the recent local government congress. Okpigbe declared the party’s unwavering commitment to the senator’s political future, asserting, “Come 2027, our senator will return to Abuja and remain there until 2031. That is what we stand for.”
The LG chairman highlighted the senator’s pivotal role in ensuring a peaceful and seamless congress in Sapele, contrasting it with reports of rancor and disagreements in other areas. “In many other local governments and states in the country, there was rancour, disagreements, and struggles for control. But in Sapele, we did not experience that. The process was smooth, and we were able to produce a harmonised list that carried everyone along,” Okpigbe explained. He credited Dafinone’s leadership style and commitment to consensus-building for the calm atmosphere. “Despite being a high-ranking public officer, he did not create problems. Instead, he worked harmoniously with leaders in the local government to ensure that all stakeholders were accommodated. That is why we are here to say thank you,” he added.
Okpigbe stressed that the newly elected executives were focused on responsibility and service, rather than personal ambition. “These offices are not financial offices. They are positions of responsibility. We understand that our duty is to work and ensure that APC carries the day from A to Z in 2027,” he emphasized.
Furthermore, the chairman urged party leaders and stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilization, particularly in light of ongoing voter registration. He underscored the importance of electoral numbers, stating, “If you are not registered, you cannot vote. The strength that guarantees victory lies in the number of registered voters we can mobilise. I call on every stakeholder to ensure that those who are 18 and above are registered.”
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Sapele APC structure, Okpigbe described the executives as the senator’s “first eleven” and pledged total support. “We are grateful for the confidence you have reposed in us. On behalf of everyone here, we say thank you. Come 2027, Sapele APC will stand solidly with you,” he declared.
In response, Senator Dafinone commended the executives for their unity and called for continued cohesion within the party. “From now on, I do not want to hear anyone talking about factions. You are all one APC now. There is no need to dwell on yesterday,” the senator stated, advocating for competence, regular consultations, and stronger ward-level engagement. He stressed the need for the party to function as a united team focused on delivering results, instructing, “You all must work together to deliver APC in all the units, Wards and Sapele local government, 2027; it must be 5/5.”
The visit highlights early political consolidation within the Sapele APC chapter as leaders begin preparations for the 2027 electoral contest, with a clear indication of local support for Dafinone’s continued representation in the Senate.
