…Edevbie, Oborevwori, Gbagi In
…Augoye, Aguwariawodo Out
…I’m Still In The Race, Says Augoye
The much-anticipated final list of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants on the platform of the DC-23 has been made public.
In the final list as released on Sunday by the Prunning/Screening Committee, the trio of David Edevbie, Sheriff Oborevwori and Kenneth Gbagi became the three options of DC-23 lobby group.
It would be recalled that the committee was inaugurated on 25th October, 2021 with Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari as Chairman, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, Secretary while Chief Arthur Akpowowo, Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Augustina Erah, Hon. Felix Anirah and Mr. Tony Omonemu are members.
Other members of the Committee include Revd. Fr. Christopher Ekabor, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, Chief Andy Osawota, Deacon Raymond Edijala, Dr. Godfrey Enita, Deaconess Florence Jakpovi and Mrs. Rarute Mgbeke.
The Prunning/Screening Committee of Gubernatorial Aspirants Committee had on December 13th submitted its first report with Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief James Augoye, Chief David Edevbie, Chief Kenneth Gbagi and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori making the list.
The committee was further directed to prune the number of aspirants to three as encapsulated in the committee terms of reference.
The committee was given terms of reference to look into their acceptability across the state, accessibility, integrity/credibility, capability, development strategy and Pan-Delta disposition.
The Secretary of the committee, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada who read the report on behalf of the committee, said after series of meetings and screening exercise within the given time, they recommended the following persons on alphabetical order of their surnames; Chief David Edevbie, Chief Kenneth Gbagi and Rt. Hon. Chief Sheriff Oborevwori
He added in the report that the selection of the three aspirants out of the five took place in the morning of the 6 of February, 2022, and that the evaluation of each aspirant was based on criteria previously agreed upon by all members of the Screening Committee.
In his response, National Chairman of DC-23, Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori conmended the committee for painstakingly delivering on the assignment given them.
He pleaded with those who didn’t make the list of three to accept the committee’s report and recommendation in good faith, as only one person can be Governor at a time. The five aspirants are all heroes and winners”, he added.
He noted that the DC-23 leadership shall continue to uphold fairness and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities without fear or favour.
The DC-23, after the adoption of the report, called on political leaders and stakeholders across the state to queue behind any of the three aspirants as the decision to pick one among the three now rely solely on Deltans.
Those who attended the meeting include Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori, National Chairman, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Chief Suru Salami, 2nd Vice National Chairman, Deputy National Chairman, Olorogun Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman BoT, Dr. Chris Oharisi, National Secretary, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary, OlorogunTaleb Tebite, National Financial Secretary, Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organising Secretary and Rt. Hon. Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary.
Others include Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, Secretary BoT, Princess Philomena Ededey, Assistant National Welfare Officer, Mr. Abraham Whisky, National Provost, Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Austin Opubor, National Welfare Officer, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, National Auditor, Chief George Osikorobia, Assistant National Auditor, Dcn Raymond Edijala, Assistant National Treasurer and Mrs. Oma Adason-Efeviroro, Ex-officio.
Also present are Dr. Amos Ighoroje, Hon. Elohor Urhobe, Chief Andy Osawota, Chief Mrs. Philomena Oyearone, Chief Mrs. Margret Unukegwo and Chief Solomon Oturu.
Meanwhile, Mr. James Augoye who was one of the two aspirants dropped off the list has been reported to have rejected the final outcome of the DC-23 Screening exercise.
Augoye who was said to have addressed a press conference in Asaba today, said he is still very much in the governorship race.
“The outcome of the screening exercise of DC-23 has been brought to my notice. The outcome is not surprising. The screening committee had its job cut out.
“I shared my ideas and plans for the growth and development of Delta State with the committee. I was able to prove to the committee that I am the best choice for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to win the 2023 governorship election in Delta.
“I told the committee that I am not only contesting the governorship election on a personal mandate, but on a collective mandate of Deltans. Deltans have reposed their trust on me. They have given me their mandate. So, I cannot let them down.
“Even, our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders of our great party, the PDP have agreed that the governorship primaries would be free for all, fair and transparent.
“Moreover, I subjected myself to the screening exercise to fulfill all righteousness. The outcome of the screening is not final. As enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only a political party can present a candidate for election, not a pressure group.
“On these grounds, I am still very much in the race for the 2023 governorship election of Delta State. We will see at the primaries. At this time, I urge my teeming followers at home and in the diaspora to remain calm, focused and stay the course”, he said.
