The Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced during an emergency meeting of Urhobo Kingdoms’ President-Generals held at the Uvwie Town Hall in Effurun, Delta State.
The leaders said the trio had demonstrated impactful leadership, visible development, and commitment to the welfare of the people since assuming office in 2023.
The forum particularly praised Dafinone for his intervention during the Okuama crisis, especially his role in securing the release of the traditional ruler of Ewu Kingdom and his continued efforts toward the freedom of other detained community leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Chairman of the President-Generals, Chief Arawore Monday, said the Urhobo nation had resolved to stand firmly behind Tinubu, Oborevwori, and Dafinone ahead of 2027.
“We will follow Senator Ede Dafinone, and we will also follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As far as we are concerned, what remains now is only the certificate of return,” he stated.
Arawore noted that the performances of the President, governor, and senator had convinced the Urhobo people that they deserved another term in office.
“There is really no need for too much campaigning anymore because they have campaigned for themselves through their performance. Today, Senator Dafinone has become a symbol of good governance and effective representation,” he added.
The forum also pledged to mobilise grassroots support across the 24 Urhobo kingdoms to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress and its candidates in the 2027 elections.
Describing the “Sheriff Oborevwori Project” as a collective Urhobo agenda, the leaders vowed to protect and sustain it.
“We are not going back. The Sheriff Project is our project, and we are fully committed to it. Together, we are going to achieve success through unity and cooperation,” Arawore said.
Earlier, Dafinone thanked the Urhobo leaders for their continued support and reflected on his journey from the private sector to the National Assembly.
The senator said his focus in the Senate had been the upliftment of the Urhobo people through scholarships, employment opportunities, empowerment programmes, human capital development, and infrastructure projects across the eight local government areas of Delta Central.
“My central focus has always been to raise the Urhobo nation at every opportunity and improve the lives of our people, whether at home or in the diaspora,” he said.
Dafinone also stressed the need to preserve Urhobo identity, language, and culture, warning that younger generations were gradually losing touch with their roots.
“Beyond infrastructure, my greatest concern remains the preservation and elevation of the Urhobo identity,” he said.
“We need stronger role models, more success stories, and more Urhobo champions across business, politics, academia, and industry.”
