Senator Ede Dafinone has defended President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming that his administration has done more for Nigeria than previous governments over the past 16 years.
The Delta Central senator made the claim on Saturday during a meeting with youth leaders from 250 communities in Ughelli South and Udu, Delta State.
The gathering took place at Wetland Hotel in Ughelli. Dafinone also used the meeting to mobilise support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged that Tinubu’s economic decisions have caused hardship for many Nigerians. However, he argued that the policies could help address long-standing problems and put the country on a path to sustainable growth.
Dafinone Defends Tinubu’s Economic Policies
Dafinone said Tinubu had shown the political courage to confront challenges that previous administrations struggled to address.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient while the government works to stabilise the economy and improve living conditions.
According to the senator, the current difficulties could eventually give way to economic recovery and lasting prosperity.
His comments come as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections, with economic conditions expected to remain a major issue in public debate.
Senator Mobilises 250 Urhobo Communities for APC
The lawmaker called on youth leaders from the 250 communities to support APC candidates across all levels of government.
He urged them to back Tinubu for president, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other party candidates contesting for legislative seats.
Dafinone praised both Tinubu and Oborevwori, describing their performances as commendable. He argued that continuity would help sustain development efforts.
He also said cooperation between federal and state governments could improve access to infrastructure projects, employment opportunities and youth empowerment programmes in Urhobo communities.
The senator warned against supporting opposition parties, arguing that political cooperation with the governments in power could bring more benefits to the area.
Dafinone Speaks on His Re-Election Bid
Dafinone also appealed to constituents in Ughelli South, Ughelli North and Udu to return him to the Senate in 2027.
He said his experience and growing influence in the National Assembly would strengthen his ability to attract more development projects to Delta Central.
The senator added that working with Tinubu and Oborevwori could improve his chances of facilitating federal projects and empowerment initiatives for local communities.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Urhobo interests and promised to make the region’s development a priority in his legislative work.
Senator Denies Plans to Relocate Urhobo Project
Dafinone also addressed allegations that he was attempting to move a project located in Orogun, an Urhobo community, to another area.
He dismissed the claims as political propaganda and urged youth leaders not to believe accusations from his opponents.
Defending his position, he said his family background and loyalty to the Urhobo people made such an action unlikely.
“My father worked and fought for the Urhobo Nation, and he brought me up very well. Urhobo blood flows through my veins,” Dafinone said.
He insisted that the project would not be moved from Orogun and urged the community to disregard what he described as false claims.
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Francis Waive Urges Urhobo People to Back APC
Francis Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu in the House of Representatives, also urged the community leaders to support the APC.
Waive argued that lawmakers from opposition parties could face limitations when seeking federal support for their constituencies.
He therefore encouraged the Urhobo people to remain with the APC ahead of the next general elections.
Several party figures attended the meeting, including Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Chief Adelabu Bodjor and Hon. Austine Ayemidejor.
Former Sapele Local Government Chairman Eugene Inoaghan and APC candidate for Sapele State Constituency II, Ejiro Jamani, were also present.
The meeting formed part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots support in Delta State before the 2027 elections.