Chairman of the Concerned Nigerians for Better Nigeria (CNBN) Olorogun Godwin Obire, PhD, has expressed strong reservations over indications that some political actors from the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency may be eyeing the Delta Central Senatorial seat in 2027. He maintained that such aspirations do not reflect the broader collective interest of the constituency or the district.
Speaking with a journalist in Asaba, the political strategist said, “The political conversation surrounding the 2027 Delta Central Senatorial election has taken a new turn, and the message from well-meaning leaders across the district is clear: there is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senate seat. Senator Ede Dafinone has earned the confidence of the district through performance, accessibility, and a refreshing style of representation that prioritises the collective interest of the Urhobo Nation. At a time when the people seek stability and continuity, it is only logical that a performing senator be returned for a second term.”
He further explained that Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency has historically had a significant share of representation in the Senate. According to him, “From the onset of Delta Central’s representation in the Nigerian Senate, Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency has produced more senators than any other bloc within the district. Beginning with the late Senator Felix Ibru, who hailed from Ughelli North, the constituency set a long precedent of occupying the senatorial office. This was followed by Senator Brume, Senator Pius Ewherido from the same Ughelli axis, whose short-lived tenure also reinforced the dominance of the constituency in Delta Central politics. Later, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, also from the Ughelli/Udu federal constituency, held the office for eight years — another testament to how consistently that bloc has been favoured.”
Obire noted that this pattern underscores the need for political balance. He said, “When these tenures are placed side by side, it becomes obvious that no federal constituency has enjoyed the senatorial position more than Ughelli/Udu. Their representation spans multiple electoral cycles, providing them more than ample opportunity to influence legislation, attract development, and shape the political narrative of Delta Central. Equity, fairness, and balanced political rotation demand that other federal constituencies also be given the chance to serve. The idea of returning the Senate to Ughelli/Udu immediately in 2027 after such lengthy dominance runs counter to the principles of justice that the Urhobo Nation stands for.”
He added that many stakeholders across Delta Central view the alleged emerging ambitions as “misguided and premature.” According to him, “Their federal constituency has had its time in the Senate, and undeniably so. No other constituency in Delta Central has enjoyed the same level of opportunity. A renewed push to reclaim the Senate seat now, after years of occupying it, would amount to political overreach and a marginalisation of other blocs who have patiently waited for their turn.”
Speaking further, he argued that contesting against Senator Dafinone at this time would be unwise. “Moreover, the attempt to challenge Senator Ede Dafinone at a time when he is delivering tangible results is not just politically insensitive — it is strategically unwise. Dafinone has emerged as a stabilising figure, one whose representation has brought dignity, investments, and new visibility to Delta Central. Abandoning a performing senator simply because a few individuals want to recycle old ambitions would not only disrupt ongoing progress but also weaken the collective strength of the district.”
Obire emphasised that leadership should be grounded in merit and service. “Politics should be about service, not entitlement. It is not a birthright for any village, clan, or constituency. The era when one federal constituency repeatedly cornered the senatorial seat has passed. Delta Central now seeks a more balanced political future — one where every constituency has a fair chance, and where performance, not old networks, determines who leads. The Ughelli/Udu leaders who previously served have had their time, and history records their contributions; but the district has moved forward.”
He concluded by reiterating growing support for Senator Dafinone’s re-election. “As Delta Central approaches 2027, the call for continuity under Senator Ede Dafinone is growing louder. His steady, principled, and people-centred representation has made him the preferred choice for a second term. The district cannot afford an experiment or a backward step into political recycling. Senator Dafinone represents progress, balance, and the new face of Delta Central’s political future.”
“For these reasons, the message ahead of 2027 is unmistakable: there is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senatorial seat. Senator Ede Dafinone has earned the mandate for a second term, and equity demands that other constituencies respect the rotation that has long favoured them. It is time to consolidate progress, not derail it,” Obire said.