Some notable members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday shunned the welcoming ceremony organised for Governor of the state, Ifeanyi Okowa, an indication that the crisis rocking the PDP in Delta may not abate anytime soon before next year’s general elections.
Okowa who emerged as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP was welcomed back to Delta state in a grand style in Asaba, Thursday. The governor was welcomed by a mammoth crowd.
However, in the midst of the colourful celebrations, the New Diplomat gathered that some notable members of the party shunned the event. They include former Governors Chief James Ibori, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Delta South Senatorial District Senator James Manager, Chief David Edevbie, among others.
The New Diplomat reports that there has been acrimonious relationship between Ibori and Okowa, owing to the disagreement between the duo over the PDP governorship primary in the state.
During the primary, Ibori supported David Edevbie, who scored 113 votes and lost to Okowa’s candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, who scored 590 votes. Oborevwori is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly.
The development was said to have angered Ibori, who felt betrayed by Okowa’s opposition to his preferred choice as his successor.
Meanwhile, speaking during his grand reception by the PDP in the state after emerging as the vice presidential candidate of the party, Okowa said he would not have accepted Atiku’s nomination as VP if he did not believe in his programmes.
In his words, “We have a project to restructure Nigeria, If Atiku does not have good programmes, I would not have accepted to be his vice presidential candidate.
“Ours is a ticket of hope and victory. This ticket will rescue and renew Nigeria. In the last seven years, all has not been well with our nation.
“Many may not appreciate it now but God has endorsed it.
“There are people who say things that they cannot do. They continue to build hope in things that they cannot do.
“During our administration, our universities will never be on strike because we understand the pains of our youths.
“We are coming to rescue the country with our youths and women and by the grace of God, we would send the APC packing by 2023 because what is going on nation is not the Nigeria we want”.
