Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has declared that President Bola Tinubu has done more to address Nigeria’s challenges than previous presidents over the past 16 years, describing the administration’s economic policies as necessary for recovery and sustainable growth.

Dafinone made the remarks on Saturday during a consultation meeting with youth leaders from 250 communities in Ughelli South and Udu Local Government Areas of Delta State. The meeting, held at Wetland Hotel in Ughelli, was organised to mobilise grassroots support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The senator said Tinubu had demonstrated the political will to confront longstanding national problems through difficult economic decisions. While acknowledging that some policies had imposed hardship on Nigerians, he argued that they were necessary to reposition the economy and establish conditions for lasting prosperity.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient as the government pursued economic stabilisation and efforts to improve living standards.

Addressing the forthcoming elections, Dafinone commended Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as their performance in office. He called for continuity and political cooperation, arguing that sustained collaboration between governments could support development.

The lawmaker urged the youth leaders to support APC candidates at all levels, including the presidency, governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

According to Dafinone, political alignment between the Federal Government, the Delta State Government and elected representatives could improve the chances of attracting infrastructure projects, employment opportunities and development programmes to Urhobo communities.

He cautioned against directing political support towards opposition parties, maintaining that cooperation with the federal and state administrations could help the Urhobo Nation secure development benefits.

Dafinone also addressed his re-election ambition, assuring constituents in Ughelli South, Ughelli North and Udu Federal Constituency that his experience and influence in the National Assembly would strengthen his ability to attract projects and youth empowerment initiatives to the area.

He said returning him to the Senate as a ranking lawmaker, alongside the support of Tinubu and Oborevwori, would enhance his capacity to facilitate development interventions across Delta Central.

The senator reaffirmed his commitment to representing Urhobo interests, saying the community’s development would remain central to his legislative priorities. He also urged youth leaders to remain united and participate actively in the political process.

Dafinone dismissed allegations by political opponents that he was seeking to relocate projects from Urhobo communities, describing the claims as propaganda. He maintained that his commitment to the area made such allegations unfounded.

Also speaking at the meeting, Francis Waive, who represents Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, urged the youth leaders to support the APC. He argued that lawmakers belonging to the ruling party had greater opportunities to work with the Federal Government on projects and other development initiatives.

The meeting brought together several APC leaders, including Paulinus Akpeki, Adelabu Bodjor, Austine Ayemidejor and former Sapele Local Government Chairman Eugene Inoaghan, alongside other party stakeholders.

The mobilisation forms part of political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties and their candidates seek to consolidate grassroots support across Delta State and the country.