By Victor Lewis
The Chairman of the Concerned Nigerians for Better Nigeria (CNBN), Olorogun Godwin Obire, PhD, has cautioned politicians from the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to rethink what he describes as “early and unnecessary power moves” aimed at the Delta Central Senatorial seat in 2027.
Speaking with journalists in Asaba, Obire said the people of Delta Central are not in search of a new senator to replace Distinguished Senator Dafinone who has already cut his teeth at the Red Chamber, adding that he is currently doing so well.
“There is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senate seat. Senator Ede Dafinone has earned the trust of the district by showing what responsible, responsive representation looks like.
“He is working. He is accessible. And he has brought a refreshing, people-first approach to the role. It would only make sense to return him for a second term”, Obire said.
Obire, a well-known political strategist and community advocate, expressed surprise that new ambitions are already emerging from the Ughelli/Udu axis, adding that the Udu/Ughelli South/Ughelli North constituency has more than its fair share of senatorial representation over the years, pointing out that it is that federal Constituency that introduced the practice of returning for a second term.
He recalled the streak of Senatorial representation right from 1999, stating that the late Senator Felix Ibru was from Ughelli North, Senator Brume after him from Udu, Senator Pius Ewherido from Ughelli South, followed by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Ughelli North, who held the seat for eight uninterrupted years
“For decades, Ughelli/Udu has had a firm grip on that Senate seat, No other federal constituency has had that level of continuity or privilege.
“They have influenced legislation, attracted development and shaped the political direction of Delta Central more than any other bloc.”
Obire noted that the implication is very clear, adding that “rotation matters, and fairness matters even more.”
“When one group has enjoyed political presence for so long, justice demands that others also get a chance.
“Trying to reclaim the seat again in 2027 after such a long dominance is not only insensitive, it is unfair. Other constituencies have waited patiently, and they deserve their moment”, he said.
He described the growing political moves as “premature, unnecessary, and misaligned with the realities of today,” adding that the district is far more interested in consolidation than disruption.
“Why challenge a senator who is clearly delivering results? Senator Dafinone has brought stability. He has attracted investments. He has made Delta Central more visible on the national stage.
“Throwing all that away because a few individuals want to recycle ambitions would be a disservice to the people”, Obire stated.
Obire emphasised that leadership should not be about entitlement or ancestry. According to him, “Politics is not a birthright. Not for any village. Not for any clan. Not for any constituency..
“We have moved beyond the era when one group feels the Senate seat belongs to them. Delta Central wants balance, fairness and continuity”, he clarified.
As 2027 draws nearer, Obire noted that support for Senator Dafinone’s return bid is only getting stronger.
“People are speaking, and their message is loud: stay the course,” he stressed. “Dafinone represents progress and the future we want. The district cannot afford a backward slide into old political habits.”
In his final words, Obire advised potential aspirants from other federal Constituency, saying:
“Let us consolidate progress, not scatter it. There is no vacancy in Delta Central. Not in 2027.”
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