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By Lawrence Agbo
Senator Ede Dafinone has strongly dismissed allegations that his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Delta Central was predetermined, declaring that his victory was earned through grassroots sweat, not political godfatherism.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, the lawmaker maintained that the party’s primary was entirely transparent, credible, and a true reflection of what the delegates wanted.
He argued that critics labeling his victory as an “imposition” are overlooking months of intense political engagement and relationship-building across the district.
Addressing the dynamics of the primary, Dafinone pointed out that the APC in Delta State has evolved, drawing in a mix of long-standing loyalists and influential newcomers.
He suggested that rival aspirants lost ground simply because they failed to read the room and connect with this expanding membership base.
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“My phone number is literally shared on billboards across Delta Central,” Dafinone stated, emphasizing his open-door policy.
He noted that maintaining regular, direct contact with everyday residents and party stakeholders over the years built a foundation of trust that rivals couldn’t match at the booths.
When pressed on suggestions that he won because he was “anointed” by top party hierarchy, Dafinone countered that backing a proven performer is standard political practice worldwide, not a conspiracy.
Dafinone recalled his active footprint in Delta politics spanning decades, including his official move to the APC back in 2014.
He argued that when stakeholders and delegates openly rally behind a candidate who has consistently delivered, it should be viewed as an endorsement of competence rather than the manipulation of a backdoor arrangement.
The lawmaker concluded by stating that the primary outcome represents a consolidated mandate from the delegates, who chose accessibility and visibility over last-minute political maneuvering.
