A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Ben Igbakpa, has declared his support for the re-election of Senator Ede Dafinone, urging the people of Delta Central Senatorial District to return him to the National Assembly in the 2027 general elections.
Igbakpa made the declaration on Tuesday when Dafinone, who represents Delta Central in the 10th National Assembly, paid him a consultation visit at his residence in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State. He said Dafinone had used his first term to establish valuable relationships and networks across the country, which, according to him, were beginning to yield results for the benefit of the Urhobo people.
The former lawmaker described Dafinone’s performance as commendable, particularly given the relatively short period he had spent in the Senate. He said the Senator had demonstrated an ability to quickly understand the workings of the National Assembly, establish strategic contacts and position himself to attract opportunities to his constituency.
“If you have not been there before, like yourself, you did not go there and just sit down. You should expect him to perform. I think he has done very well because he has learned very fast,” Igbakpa said.
He explained that Dafinone’s extensive engagements and relationship-building efforts should be viewed as investments whose benefits would become more evident with time. “It is only fair that when you plant a seed, that plant should grow and bear fruit. I believe he has planted a lot in this first term, so we should send him back. Going back this time is to harvest. Don’t be afraid, because he has made the contacts,” he said.
Igbakpa, who said he closely follows Dafinone’s activities through social media, also commended the Senator’s efforts to extend his engagements beyond the traditional boundaries of legislative politics. “So, I must tell you, my brother, that you are doing well. You are doing well. Initially, I would have said, ‘You cannot be a politician,’ but these days, you cannot separate technocracy from politics. I appreciate your penetration into other areas. That is the only way. That is the only way you can bring something home,” he said.
The former lawmaker also used the occasion to explain the limitations faced by legislators in delivering constituency projects, stressing that lawmakers do not directly control funds for such projects. According to him, legislators have the authority to nominate projects but depend on the executive arm for funding and implementation. “But there is no money given directly to any legislator. You only have the privilege to nominate projects from your area. If the executive does not fund the project, there is nothing you can do,” he stated.
Igbakpa said this reality often makes it difficult for the public to fully appreciate the efforts required by legislators to attract projects and opportunities to their constituencies. “So, when people talk about legislators as if the money is in their pockets, there is no money. They only have the authority to speak to anybody, face anybody and tell that person what they believe is right for their people. But they don’t have the money,” he said, adding that any legislator who succeeds in bringing projects home deserves recognition for the effort involved.
On the political future of Delta Central, Igbakpa said the APC had an opportunity to benefit from improved cooperation among the Governor, senators and other party stakeholders. He said previous misunderstandings that had affected communication had now been resolved. “At first, there was a misunderstanding, so there was no deal. Our line of communication was zigzag. But now, we are back together as one,” he said.
He assured Dafinone of his support and pledged to work with other APC stakeholders to secure victory for the party in 2027. “We are in the APC, and we will work assiduously to ensure that we win,” Igbakpa said, before adding, “So, rest assured, and I want to thank you. I know you wanted to visit me some time ago, but activities surrounding the primaries came up, and you still considered it necessary to come. I appreciate that, and I assure you of my support.”
Earlier, Dafinone urged APC members in Ethiope East and across Delta Central to work together for the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections. He called on party members to engage voters at the grassroots and address challenges at their respective polling units.
“Go and meet those who may disrupt your efforts. We must unite to secure a decisive victory. Let’s work together as one team. The APC is the party for 2027, and it is my responsibility to convey this message to you, so you can share it with the others,” Dafinone said.
