Ethiope West Stakeholders Deny Endorsement Of Dafinone, Describe Report As Fabrication

A political controversy has erupted in Delta State following the circulation of a publication claiming that stakeholders in Ethiope West Local Government Area endorsed Senator Ede Dafinone.

The claim has now been firmly rejected by key figures who attended the meeting in question.

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Chief Wilson Omene dismissed the report as “false from start to finish,” accusing its promoters of attempting to mislead the public and distort the purpose of a recent high-level gathering.

The meeting, convened by former Delta State Governor, James Onanefe Ibori, took place at his residence in Oghara on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

According to Omene, discussions at the meeting were strictly centered on unity and reconciliation within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ethiope West.

He stressed that no political endorsements were made at any point during the deliberations, nor was the name of any aspirant—including Senator Dafinone—mentioned for consideration.

ALSO READ: 2027: Itsekiri Nation Backs Tinubu, Oborevwori For Second Term

“The publication is a deliberate falsehood,” Omene stated, noting that there was “no motion, no declaration, and no whisper of endorsement” throughout the meeting.

Omene further explained that the gathering was aimed at fostering peace, strengthening party cohesion, and ensuring that stakeholders in the area speak with one voice ahead of future political engagements.

He added that Chief Ibori repeatedly emphasized the need for discipline, unity, and forgiveness among party members.

Describing the report as “political fraud,” Omene condemned what he called an attempt to hijack the outcome of a “solemn stakeholders’ meeting” for personal or political gain.

He warned that such actions undermine trust and disrespect both the leadership and the people of Ethiope West.
He therefore called on members of the public, the media, and APC faithful to disregard the publication in its entirety, insisting that the people of the area would not be misled by what he described as “desperation and dishonesty.”

The rebuttal adds a new layer to the evolving political dynamics in Delta State, as stakeholders continue to position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.