By Austin Ogwuda
….as he positions him as the APC’s Delta Central Senatorial candidate for 2027.
…. PDP defectors in hide and seek game at Ika South (Okowa’s stronghold)
… Deputy governor, Onyeme also apprehensive, begs for oneness
Despite media propaganda dismissing reports concerning growing fears of political isolation of defectors and political uncertainty from members of PDP who recently defected to APC in Delta State, it is becoming clearer that the chips are down.
The main contention is hinged on power sharing formula not clearly spelt out between the PDP members who defected to APC.
Report reaching The Townhall, weekend, confirmed that worried by the development, the immediate past Governor of the State has risen to the occasion to ensure that PDP structure is not hijacked by APC following the new marriage.
A former PDP chieftain and close ally of Esiso who spoke on condition of anonymity said, Yes, that groundwork is already being laid. It is true
Okowa has instructed Esiso to take back control of PDP structure statewide. We can’t leave things to chance. We are reactivating our grassroots network as we speak.
“Okowa’s original plan involved entrusting the PDP structure to Elder Emma Ogidi. However, escalating political tension and Ogidi’s advanced age have prompted a shift in strategy.
“With Ibori’s loyalists lurking and yet to make their intentions clear, leaving the party structure in limbo is too risky. We are moving quickly to stabilise our base.
Continuing, he said, “the former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege still holds significant sway over APC ward and LGA structures, making it difficult for new defectors to gain a foothold.
Again, Omo-Agege won’t fold easily. Until there is clarity on power-sharing within the APC, we are keeping our options open”, he confessed.
…. PDP defectors in hide and seek game at Ika South (Okowa’s stronghold)
Meanwhile, discontent is simmering within the APC. The Chairman of APC in Ika South, Hon. Hilary Fada Ibude, revealed that a staggering 99.5% of PDP defectors have failed to register with the APC weeks after their dramatic defection.
“They made a big show of joining us, but only 0.5% have actually registered. Apart from the Delta Unity Group (DUG), most are still sitting on the fence”.
Addressing newsmen at Agbor, Ibude warned that without formal registration, these defectors won’t be recognised as legitimate party members.
Said he, “If you are not holding an APC membership card, you are not part of this Party. Registration is open to all, but seriousness must be proven — some may even need to surrender their former party ID cards.”
“While APC welcomes new members, no special treatment will be given.
There are no guaranteed positions for newcomers. What we value is commitment. Only those ready to work will earn a place at the table”, he declared.
… Deputy governor, Onyeme also apprehensive, begs for oneness
Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, on Thursday in Asaba during an enlarged meeting of leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ndokwa nation, comprising Members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Commissioners, Local Government Council Chairmen and other political leaders who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met on the ground, including former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu, Hon. Paul Okpue, Chief Johnson Opone among others, pleaded for oneness.
His words, “As an individual, I don’t discriminate but now that we are one, it is better and we live more as one united family.
I am happy that we are here, it is a fact that almost all the members of the APC were once members of the PDP.
“We should please, avoid any rancour, don’t look at anybody as member of PDP, we are one now in APC and we should work to make our ethnic nationality, the Ndokwa ethnic nationality a model for others to copy.
“Thank you and please, note that we are one united people in one big political family, the APC,” Deputy Governor Onyeme stated.
