...Hails Oborevwori’s Defection to APC as a boost for Delta
By Akpos Oghenetega,
The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone has called on Nigerians, particularly Deltans, to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, assuring that the president’s economic reforms will begin to yield positive results before the end of the year.
Dafinone also applauded the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other key PDP figures to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a “strategic and timely” development that will fast-track federal projects and appointments in the state.
Speaking at a high-level APC stakeholders’ unity meeting in Jesse, Ethiope West LGA, Senator Dafinone lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other Delta PDP leaders for their recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as “strategic and timely” for the future of Delta State.
“The alignment with the APC-led Federal Government is not just political — it’s developmental. It will fast-track federal appointments, projects, and resources to our people,” Dafinone declared. “This is not about winners and losers; we are all winners for Delta State.”
Addressing fears over the ongoing APC e-registration exercise, the Senator dismissed rumours that it was designed to sideline existing members. “That’s a wicked lie,” he said. “This registration is open to everyone — from the PDP, new entrants, and even APC members who haven’t registered before. In the new APC, everyone is equal.”
He emphasised that the unity between Ethiope East and West must be driven by collaboration, not competition. “This is a new APC — one without divisions. Everybody matters. From the grassroots to the top, our goal is collective progress.”
Dafinone also praised President Tinubu for taking bold but necessary economic steps, especially on fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate reform.
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A cross section of APC leaders, Chief Ighoyota Amori, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda, Senator Ede Dafinone and others[/caption]
“Yes, the times have been tough,” he admitted. “But the reward for those hard decisions is near. Prosperity is coming — not just for Nigeria, but for Delta State and the Ethiope region.”
He ended his remarks with a pledge of continued service, noting, “When the time comes, I’ll return to ask for your support again. If I’ve served well, you’ll back me for the second half — just like football.”
Also speaking at the event, political leader Chief Ighoyota Amori assured the party faithful of a smooth and united transition to the 2027 elections.
“In 2027, we’ll have a record-free primary and enter the elections as one Ethiope. Judging by the calibre of people here today, we’re set to deliver 100%.”
Party chieftain Emmanuel Ighomena echoed the same sentiment, declaring, “This is a new dawn in Delta politics. We once walked separate paths, but now we are one. 2027 will be our best election yet.”
He urged long-time opposition members to seize the opportunity and remain within the APC. “They’ve been in opposition for over 20 years. Now that power is in their hands, they want to walk away? Stay, and develop your communities under His Excellency’s leadership,” he advised.
The unity meeting also served as a platform to dispel misconceptions and reassure grassroots supporters of the party’s inclusiveness. “There are no winners and losers in the new APC,” Dafinone concluded. “We are all in this together—for the prosperity of Delta, Ethiope Federal Constituency, and Nigeria as a whole.”
Earlier, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, Chairman of the Organising Committee, welcomed guests with a rallying message of unity and responsibility. “This gathering is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ideals of APC. It’s a strategic step to strengthen our bonds across Ethiope East and West, and position our federal constituency for a prosperous future,” he stated.
The event which was graced by key party figures including Chief Sunny Onoriode, Hon. Arthur Akpowhowo, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, and Rt. Hon. Halims Agoda—all of whom echoed the call for unity within the party. “The time for division is over. We must come together and build a cohesive APC that reflects our shared aspirations,” Chief Amori stressed.
The highlights of the event is the motion for a vote of confidence on President Tinubu and Governor Oborevwori moved by Hon. Halims Agoda, a former House of Representatives member, “They have shown exemplary leadership. Our confidence in them is not just emotional—it’s based on tangible governance,” he stated. The motion was seconded by Hon. Barr. Akpodiogaga Sunny Emeyese received unanimous approval.
