The All Progressives Congress in Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State, has declared total support for the re-election bid of the Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration was made on Saturday when the newly elected executives of the party in Sapele paid a thank-you visit to the senator at his country home.
Leader of the delegation and Sapele APC Local Government Chairman, Hon. Francis Okpigbe, said the visit was to appreciate Dafinone for his stabilising role before, during and after the recent local government congress.
He noted that while reports of rancour and disagreements trailed congresses in some parts of the country, the exercise in Sapele was peaceful and hitch-free.
“In many other local governments and states, there were struggles for control, but in Sapele, we did not experience that. The process was smooth and we produced a harmonised list that carried everyone along,” Okpigbe stated.
The chairman attributed the peaceful outcome to the senator’s leadership style, describing him as a team player who ensured that all stakeholders were accommodated.
“Despite being a high-ranking public officer, he did not create problems. Instead, he worked harmoniously with leaders in the local government. That is why we are here to say thank you,” he said.
Okpigbe emphasised that the new executives emerged through a united process anchored on service and responsibility, not personal gain.
“These offices are not financial offices but 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 urged party leaders and stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation, particularly as voter registration continues across the country.
“If you are not registered, you cannot vote. Victory depends on the number of registered voters we can mobilise. We call on all stakeholders to ensure that those who are 18 years and above are registered,” he added.
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Sapele APC structure, Okpigbe described the executives as the senator’s “first eleven” and pledged unalloyed support for his political future.
Responding, Dafinone commended the executives for their unity and urged them to sustain the cohesion within the party.
“Going forward, I do not want to hear about factions. You are all one APC now. There is no need to dwell on yesterday,” the senator said.
He charged them to prioritise competence, regular consultations and effective ward-level engagement, stressing that the party must operate as one united team.
“You must work together to deliver APC in all the units, wards and Sapele Local Government. In 2027, it must be 5/5,” he stated.
The visit underscores early political consolidation within the Sapele chapter of the APC as leaders position for the 2027 electoral contest, with the local government structure affirming its unwavering support for Dafinone’s continued representation of Delta Central in the Senate.
