Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Sapele chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its weight behind Senator Ede Dafinone, endorsing him for a second term in the Senate.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday during a thank-you visit by newly elected APC executives to the senator’s country home in Sapele, Delta State.
Speaking on behalf of the party executives, Sapele APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Francis Okpigben, declared that the chapter was united in its resolve to see Dafinone re-elected to represent Delta Central Senatorial District in 2027.
“Come 2027, our senator will return to Abuja and remain there until 2031. That is what we stand for,” Okpigben said to applause from party faithful.
According to him, the visit was aimed at appreciating the senator’s stabilising role during the recent local government congress, which he described as peaceful and consensus-driven despite tensions reported in other areas.
“In many other local governments and states, there was rancour and disagreement. But in Sapele, the process was smooth, and we produced a harmonised list that carried everyone along,” he stated.
Okpigben credited Dafinone’s leadership style for fostering unity and ensuring that all stakeholders were accommodated during the congress.
The APC chairman emphasised that the new executives emerged through a united process focused on service rather than personal ambition, stressing the importance of early preparation for the 2027 polls.
“These offices are positions of responsibility. Our duty is to work and ensure that APC carries the day from A to Z in 2027,” he said.
He also called for intensified grassroots mobilisation, particularly as voter registration continues, noting that electoral success would depend on the number of registered supporters.
“If you are not registered, you cannot vote. The strength that guarantees victory lies in the number of registered voters we can mobilise,” Okpigben added.
Reaffirming loyalty to the senator, he described the new executives as Dafinone’s “first eleven” and pledged unwavering support for his political future.
Responding, Senator Dafinone commended the executives for maintaining unity and urged them to avoid factionalism.
“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.
He stressed the need for competence, regular consultations, and stronger ward-level engagement, charging party members to work collectively to deliver victory across all units and wards in Sapele.
“You all must work together to deliver APC in all the units, wards and Sapele local government in 2027; it must be 5/5,” the senator declared.
The endorsement signals early political consolidation within Sapele APC, as party leaders begin strategic positioning ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested 2027 electoral cycle in Delta State.