By Enitan Abel Johngold Orheruata, MNIPR
The Chairman of Concerned Nigerians for Better Nigeria (CNBN), Olorogun Godwin Obire, has strongly criticised emerging political interests from the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency seeking to contest the Delta Central Senatorial seat in 2027, describing the move as “selfish, desperate, and contrary to the collective interest” of the district.
Speaking with journalists in Asaba, Obire maintained that the Delta Central Senatorial seat is not open for contest, insisting that the incumbent lawmaker, Ede Dafinone, has earned the right to seek re-election based on his performance and style of representation.
According to him, “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 Senate seat.”
Obire noted that Dafinone’s tenure has been marked by accessibility, visible constituency engagement, and a focus on the broader interest of the Urhobo nation, adding that continuity remains the most logical path for the district at this time.
He further argued that the Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency has historically dominated the senatorial position, producing more representatives than any other bloc within Delta Central. He cited past occupants of the seat, including the late Felix Ibru, Pius Ewherido, and Ovie Omo-Agege, all of whom hail from the Ughelli axis.
Obire said the prolonged occupancy of the senatorial seat by the constituency across multiple electoral cycles has provided it with ample opportunity to influence legislation and attract development, stressing that equity and fairness now demand a more balanced political arrangement across the district.
“When these tenures are placed side by side, it becomes obvious that no other federal constituency has enjoyed the senatorial position more than Ughelli/Udu,” he stated. “A renewed push to reclaim the seat in 2027, after such lengthy dominance, amounts to political overreach and undermines the principles of justice and inclusion.”
He described the reported ambitions from political actors in Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and the wider Ughelli/Udu bloc as “misguided and premature,” warning that such moves risk marginalising other constituencies that have long awaited their turn in the district’s political rotation.
Obire also cautioned against what he termed an attempt to “disrupt progress,” noting that challenging a sitting senator who is delivering results could weaken the political stability and development trajectory of Delta Central.
“Politics should be about service, not entitlement,” he said. “It is not a birthright for any constituency to continuously occupy the Senate seat. The era of dominance by a single bloc has passed, and what Delta Central needs now is balance, fairness, and sustained progress.”
He concluded by reiterating that support for Senator Dafinone’s second term bid is growing across the district, insisting that the focus should remain on consolidating gains rather than revisiting past political arrangements.
“As 2027 approaches, the message is unmistakable,” Obire added. “There is no vacancy in the Delta Central Senatorial seat. The priority must be continuity, equity, and the advancement of the collective interest of the people.”