Delta Central: Dafinone vows unity, renewed focus after APC primary win

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Senator Ede Dafinone has thanked party leaders and delegates after winning the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary for Delta Central, and said he will work to unify and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general election.

Dafinone secured victory with 116,252 votes across the senatorial district’s eight local government areas. He described the primary as transparent, peaceful and credible, saying the result reflected “the true wishes of party delegates and faithful in the district.”

In a statement on Monday the senator said the exercise showed that “democracy remained strong within the APC despite the highly competitive political environment in Delta Central.”

“Today marks a defining moment for our great party, the APC, and for the people of Delta Central Senatorial District. I stand deeply humbled, profoundly grateful, and fully committed to the responsibility entrusted to me through this resounding victory,” he added.

Dafinone praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he called the governor’s “commitment to the unity and stability of the APC in Delta State,” saying that leadership helped ensure a peaceful primary. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing national leadership “that continues to inspire confidence in the country’s democratic process.”

He expressed appreciation to the APC National Chairman, members of the National Working Committee and the APC National Assembly Primary Committee for providing “a level playing field during the exercise,” and acknowledged party elders, women, youths, stakeholders and supporters for their loyalty.

He also commended officials who managed the election, including Collation Officer Hon. Okiemute Benjamin, Nusa Amagbor, Secretary of the APC National Assembly Primary Committee, and committee member Abimbola Dart, for their professionalism.

Calling for reconciliation, Dafinone reached out to former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and his supporters, saying: “Elections and primaries may come with competition, but at the end of the day, we remain members of one political family with a shared vision for the advancement of Delta State and Nigeria.”

He urged APC members across the state to unite behind the party and work together to secure victory in 2027, and pledged to focus on “development, empowerment, security, economic growth and effective representation” for the people of Delta Central while assuring supporters he would not betray their confidence.