The All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta Central Senatorial candidate for the 2023 general elections, Chief Ede Dafinone has said that the National Leader of Delta Central APC Leaders of Thought (DECALT), Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi has continued to demonstrate his commitment and passion for the Urhobo course.
Recall that Chief Ominimini had on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, yielded to the call by the Delta Central APC Leaders of Thought to join the 2023 Delta Central Senatorial race under the banner of the APC, when the group visited him at his residence in Ughelli headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area.
However, on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Chief Ominimini who was a strong contender for the senatorial race in a statement by Chief Thomas Oduaran, the Chairman, Ominimini Campaign Organisation, announced his withdrawal from the race primarily because the Delta State governorship candidate of the APC, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is from the same Ughelli North Local Government Area with him.
Speaking on Thursday, June 23, 2022, when he led members of his APC Delta Senatorial consultation team on an appreciation visit to Chief Ominimini, the senatorial flag bearer of the party, Chief Ede Dafinone, said that though Chief Ominimini is more than qualified and capable of running for the Senate position, he decided to put outside his ambition for the collective victory of the party at the polls come 2023.
Chief Dafinone, who is from Sapele Local Government Area of Delta Central Senatorial District noted that despite Ominimini’s wealth of political experience, grassroots support and rich contacts he considered first the overall interest and success of the APC in Delta Central in the election above his interest.
He recalled his political alliance with Chief Ominimini spanning over ten years and promised that he would take for granted the withdrawal of Ominimini from the race which eventually led to him being returned unopposed at the party’s senatorial primary.
On the 2023 general elections, Chief Dafinone said the outcomes would to a large extent show that the people are no longer keen on political parties but are more concerned about candidates that would meet their yearnings and aspirations.
He expressed optimism that the APC in Delta will clinch the governorship seat, especially as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has exposed itself as a party not united, having poor direction and policies.
Responding, Chief Ominimini said Chief Dafinone is well and able to win the 2023 Delta Central Senatorial seat in the National Assembly.
He said, “The politics of 2023, though people belong to political parties, I want to say it is candidate-driven.
“Distinguished Senator Ede Dafinone, you are a square peg in a square hole. God has brought you at a time like this. May the favour of God be with you.
“DECALT is in every unit. We will go back and mobilise our unit representatives into action so that in the election that is coming when it comes to the National Assembly when it comes to the Senate, everybody will be Ede Dafinone.”
Present during the appreciation visit by Chief Ede Dafinone to Chief Ominimini Obiuwevbi were some members of the National Executive Committee of Delta Central APC Leaders of Thought, (DECALT) including the National Chairman, Chief Thomas Oduaran and the National Secretary, Prof David Ejenobor supported by Executive members from the eight Local Government Areas of Delta Central.
They all agreed with Chief Ominimini on the need to deliver Chief Dafinone for the Delta Central Senatorial District seat in the 2023 general elections.
