A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Ben Igbakpa, has endorsed the re-election bid of Senator Ede Dafinone, urging the people of Delta Central Senatorial District to return the lawmaker to the National Assembly in the 2027 general elections.
Igbakpa gave the endorsement on Tuesday when Dafinone, who represents Delta Central in the 10th Senate, paid him a consultation visit at his residence in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
The former federal lawmaker said Dafinone had utilised his first term in the Senate to build strategic relationships and networks across the country, noting that such connections were beginning to produce benefits for the Urhobo people.
He described Dafinone’s performance as commendable, particularly considering the relatively short period he had spent in the Senate, saying the lawmaker had quickly familiarised himself with the workings of the National Assembly and established strategic contacts capable of attracting development to the 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.
According to him, the relationships and engagements established by Dafinone during his first term should be seen as investments that would yield greater dividends if he is given another term.
“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 disclosed that he closely monitors Dafinone’s activities on social media, also commended the senator for extending his engagements beyond conventional legislative politics.
He said the combination of technocratic knowledge and political engagement was necessary for effective representation and development.
“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 you can bring something home,” he said.
The former lawmaker also sought to clarify what he described as widespread misconceptions about the role of legislators in the execution of constituency projects.
He explained that lawmakers do not directly control funds allocated for constituency projects, stressing that their primary responsibility was to nominate projects while funding and implementation remained largely under the executive arm.
“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,” Igbakpa stated.
He said legislators were often unfairly criticised by constituents who assumed that lawmakers had direct access to funds for projects.
“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.
Igbakpa added that any legislator who successfully attracts projects and opportunities to his constituency deserves recognition for the effort and lobbying involved.
On the political future of Delta Central, the APC chieftain said improved cooperation among the governor, senators and other stakeholders had created a better platform for the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said previous misunderstandings that affected communication among stakeholders 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 stated.
Igbakpa assured Dafinone of his support, saying he would work with other APC stakeholders to ensure victory for the party in 2027.
“We are in the APC, and we will work assiduously to ensure that we win,” he said.
He also thanked Dafinone for eventually honouring the consultation visit despite the activities surrounding the party’s primaries.
“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,” he added.
Earlier, Dafinone urged APC members in Ethiope East Local Government Area and across Delta Central to close ranks and work collectively towards the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 elections.
He charged party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, engage directly with voters and identify and resolve 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.
