UGHELLI – The Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, has challenged Nigerian leaders to shift focus from political grandstanding to the implementation of practical solutions that improve the lives of the citizenry.
Speaking at the 3rd Advocate Lecture Series in Ughelli, Delta State, Senator Dafinone maintained that electoral victories are meaningless unless they translate into tangible governance and institutional reforms.
The event, themed “From Ballot to Patronage: Why Electoral Victory Fails to Deliver Good Governance in Nigeria,” was organized by Advocate Publication Ltd and served as a forum for stakeholders to dissect the disconnect between the polls and public service.
Senator Dafinone noted that while Nigerians are adept at identifying the country’s challenges, there is an urgent need to transition toward “actionable strategies.”
“Discussions must shift from mere complaints to workable solutions,” the lawmaker stated, adding that the focus of any administration should be the measurable benefits delivered to the people.
Addressing the 2023 general elections, Dafinone observed an increase in voter awareness but lamented the persistence of vote-buying.
He attributed the trend to a deep-seated lack of trust in the electoral process, where many citizens remain skeptical that their ballots truly determine winners.
Defending Economic Reforms
On the current economic climate, the Senator defended the removal of fuel subsidies, describing it as a “necessary decision” that past leaders avoided for fear of political backlash. While acknowledging the resulting hardship, he expressed optimism that the long-term gains would eventually stabilize the nation’s economy.
He also dismissed fears of Nigeria becoming a one-party state, characterizing the recent wave of political defections as a common mid-term cycle pattern seen since the return to democracy in 1999.
The Crisis of Political “Patronage”
Keynote speaker, Charles Apoki, delivered a sobering assessment of the nation’s democratic health, arguing that the “monetization of votes” has caused a rift between the government and the governed.
“True democracy requires active ownership by the people,” Apoki said.
He criticized a system where high campaign costs force elected officials to prioritize recouping their investments and rewarding political godfathers over serving the public interest.
Earlier, the CEO of Advocate Publication Ltd, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, explained that the lecture series was birthed to address the persistent failure of administrations to fulfill campaign promises.
The event featured panel discussions and goodwill messages from various dignitaries, including representatives of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori. Participants concluded that without urgent institutional reforms and a reduction in the cost of governance, the gap between the ballot box and quality leadership will continue to widen.
