A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Ben Igbakpa, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of Senator Ede Dafinone, urging voters in Delta Central Senatorial District to return the lawmaker to the National Assembly in the 2027 general elections.
Igbakpa spoke 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.
The former lawmaker commended Dafinone’s performance during his first term, saying the senator had successfully built valuable relationships and networks across the country that were beginning to create opportunities for the Urhobo people.
According to Igbakpa, Dafinone’s achievements were particularly commendable given the relatively short period he had spent in the Senate.
“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,” he said.
Igbakpa described Dafinone’s relationship-building efforts as an investment that would yield greater benefits with time, stressing that the senator should be given another term to consolidate on the foundation he had laid.
“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.
The former lawmaker, who said he regularly follows Dafinone’s activities on social media, also praised the senator for expanding his engagements beyond conventional 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,” Igbakpa said.
He also sought to correct what he described as a common misconception about the role of legislators in the execution of constituency projects.
According to him, lawmakers do not receive funds directly for constituency projects. Rather, they nominate projects while funding and implementation remain the responsibility of the executive arm of government.
“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 explained.
Igbakpa said the situation often makes it difficult for constituents to appreciate the efforts involved in attracting government projects and opportunities to their communities.
“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.
He added that any legislator who succeeds in attracting projects to his constituency should therefore be recognised for the efforts and relationships required to make such interventions possible.
On the political future of Delta Central, Igbakpa said the APC was now better positioned to benefit from improved cooperation among the governor, senators and other stakeholders within the party.
He noted that previous disagreements had affected communication among party stakeholders but expressed optimism that the differences had 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.
Igbakpa assured Dafinone of his support and pledged to work with other APC stakeholders to secure victory for the party in the 2027 elections.
“We are in the APC, and we will work assiduously to ensure that we win,” he said.
He further thanked Dafinone for the consultation visit, noting that although the senator had intended to visit earlier, activities surrounding the party primaries had intervened.
“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,” Igbakpa added.
Earlier, Dafinone called on APC members in Ethiope East and across Delta Central to unite and work collectively towards victory for all the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
He urged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, engage directly with voters and address challenges confronting the party 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.
