Politics
Delta 2023: Coalition kicks over disqualification of Sen. Aguariavwodo
The Urhobo Elite Forum (UEF) has expressed disappointment over the disqualification of a leading PDP aspirant Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo for the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State, by the DC-23-a Delta Central 2023 lobby group, with a self acclaimed mandate to work for the actualization of a Delta Central Governor in 2023.
The State Coordinator of the group, Chief Ojefia Kpokpogri stated this during a leadership summit in Warri convened to interact with critical stakeholders, as part of efforts to promote democracy, good governance, peace and security, particularly with the forthcoming elections in Delta State, and Nigeria in general.
Kpokpogri inforned participants at the meeting that cut across Political/ Religious/ Community leaders in the State, Women Societies, Youth Groups; Student bodies, among others that the former MD/CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and also one time member of both Chambers of the National Assembly has the capacity to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Okowa’s administration with new ideas and innovation that will bring to fruition a new Delta State that will be the pride of all.
He said the Governorship hopeful has performed excellently well in all ramification, as evident in his overwhelming achievements in both Private, and Public Sector.
“I have not personally met with Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, but our unwavering support for his aspiration is strictly based on his antecedent as a trusted, and seasoned administrator that has used his positions in the past to positively impact on humanity, and the society in general. For, as the saying goes “one good turn deserves another.
“No doubt, Aguariavwodo has the requisite professional experience, and skills to take Delta State to next level of socio-economic and infrastructural development. We are not unaware of the secret plan of the Chief Ighoyota Amori led discredited DC-23 to impose Mr. David Edevwie as the Governorship candidate of the Urhobo Nation, against all democratic norms, and the wishes of the Urhobo People.”
Chief Kpokpogri however warned that the Urhobo Elite Forum will have no other option than to declare Chief Amori and his co-travellers as persona non grata in Urhobo land, if they fail to rescind their unpopular decision.
In his remarks, a Niger Delta Activist, who is also a Political Strategist and Leadership Consultant, General Kay Kay commended the group for their democratic initiative, unwavering support for the gubernatorial ambition of Sen. Aguariavwodo, as well as the privilege of being a guest speaker at the historic event.
“According to him, If elected, Sen. Aguariavwodo will be a unifying factor in Delta State. His Strategic Developmental Roadmap (SDRM) will certainly be of great delight to Deltans.
“For the benefit of doubt, Aguariavwodo eminently distinguished himself as the Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC through his hard work, vision and uncommon patriotism demonstrated in other positions of authority.
General Kay Kay expressed displeasure at the unfair and unjustifiable disqualification of Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo by the controversial group and its leadership, ahead of the 2023 Governor election in Delta State.
“You would agree with me that this unpopular decision by the DC-23 “, has no doubt exposed the group of having a hidden agenda to usurp the democratic right (power) of the people to choose their leaders, which I believe would be vehemently resisted by the electorate, and other right thinking members of the PDP in just a matter of time, as we look forward to be informed of the criteria, or yardstick that was used for the selection exercise”.
“For the benefit of any doubt whatsoever, Sen. Aguariavwodo remains the overall best candidate from the Urhobo Nation to be considered for the exalted position of the Governor of Delta State. His antecedent, speaks volume of his achievements as a member of both Chambers of the National Assembly, CEO/MD of the National Delta Development Commission (NDDC),where he impacted positively on humanity, and the entire Niger Delta Region, vis-vis his revealing socio-economic, and infrastructural development projects, among others. To cap it all, he is a core grass root man, whose CORE VALUE is “putting others first”.
Speaking further, Kay Kay said, the enviable attributes of Sen. Aguariavwodo can not be said of Mr. David Edevwie, whom the DC-23 is manipulating to succeed Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s, in a bid to actualize their insatiable political interest, without recourse to due process, and the rule of Law. It is also worthy of note, aside the fact that Edevwie does not freely relate with the people, he can not express himself in the Urhobo mother tongue, as well as being the least favoured candidate for the contest in terms of public rating, among Party members.
“Consequently, this calls to question, the supposed questionable mandate of the DC-23 to screen, and project a true Urhobo candidate, as the next Governor of Delta State, in compliance with the Zoning arrangement of the People’s Democratic Party”.
“Finally, I make it bold to say that, if the Urhobos cannot take good advantage of this opportunity, by doing what is democratically right, our great Party should jettison its zoning arrangement, or concede the Delta State Governorship slot to the Ijaws, particularly with the ongoing agitation and protest across the State over the unwarranted, and biased disqualification of Sen Aguariavwodo, who remains a unifying factor across ethnic divides.
“This is a clarion call for the Delta State PDP to act now. As the saying goes “a word is enough for the wise, as I commend His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his giant strides and mentorship”
Kay Kay expressed the optimism that Delta State will be greater with Aguariavwodo on the leadership seat.
Senate minority Leader and key member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus, Senator Abba Moro, has reiterated the party’s commitment to restructuring and regaining its electoral strength.
Speaking after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Assembly caucus meeting on Wednesday, Moro addressed concerns about the party’s recent setbacks and ongoing efforts to prepare for future electoral challenges.
Moro emphasized that the PDP remains resilient despite recent losses, including gubernatorial elections, and is strategizing to strengthen the party.
“We discussed the affairs of the party, particularly as we approach a critical meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC)to take vital decisions on the state of the PDP,” Moro said.
“We are intensifying efforts to ensure the party grows stronger and prepares for subsequent elections without distractions.”
Addressing allegations of vote buying in recent elections, Moro expressed concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Everyone is worried about Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “INEC has faced criticism, but every failure is a lesson. We must ensure that mandates stolen from the people, like in Edo State, are restored. Failure should become a mechanism for future success.”
Responding to criticisms of PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagun, Moro dismissed claims that his leadership has been detrimental to the party.
“The PDP is not just about one individual,” he stated. “Damagun is the acting chairman, but PDP is about all its members. We are working round the clock to return the PDP to its winning ways.”
He also downplayed the influence of PDP members like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who has been associated with the APC.
Moro likened such political dynamics to bipartisan endorsements seen in the United States, emphasizing that PDP remains focused on rebuilding.
“Anyone working against the PDP today will have to contend with the resilience of PDP members,” he warned.
Highlighting the party’s long-standing reputation, Moro described the PDP as a resilient brand that has always bounced back from challenges.
“PDP is a brand,” he declared. “Despite temporary setbacks, we will bounce back. Once our electoral laws are strengthened, future election results will not be the same.”
When asked who should be blamed for the party’s challenges, Moro refrained from finger-pointing, stating:
“The most important thing is that something is not right. We are working to fix it, and we will get it right.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the PDP Senate caucus to revitalize the party and ensure better outcomes in upcoming elections.
***Describes Process as “Victimless Crime” in Scathing Critique
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Prince Adewole Adebayo, has issued a critical assessment of the recent Ondo State Governorship Election, labeling it an “Ondo Auction.”
Adebayo argued that the election was less about genuine democracy and more about transactional politics, with “willing buyers” and “willing sellers” dominating the process.
Taking to his X account, Adebayo suggested that the Ondo election could serve as a case study for the Central Bank’s foreign exchange practices, given the efficient “marketplace” nature of the vote.
He lamented what he saw as a lack of authentic voter engagement, claiming that ballots appeared to be traded as commodities rather than cast with genuine intent.
Adebayo extended his criticism to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and major media outlets, whom he accused of watching passively as the alleged auction unfolded.
Offering sarcastic congratulations to those who “purchased” the victory, he sympathized with voters, whom he felt had unknowingly relinquished their democratic power in a flawed process.
Quoting a biblical phrase, “Father Forgive Them For They Know Not What They Do,” Adebayo expressed sadness over the state of democracy in Ondo and called for divine intervention to steer Nigeria towards a more transparent electoral future.
In his post, Adebayo remarked: “The Ondo State Governorship Election of yesterday is what criminologists would term as victim-less crimes: a spectacle of willing buyers @OfficialAPCNg meeting willing sellers in a perfect market that should be an example for @cenbank in the foreign exchange markets. Ondo Auction is smoother than the Dutch Auction. Four years sold so freely and openly that no one should lie that they were coerced or intimidated or browbeaten. And @PoliceNG and @inecnigeria @AIT_Online @ARISEtv @KAFTAN_TV @channelstv @NTANewsNow all witnessed it live.
“No one should pretend that they need someone to interview over this. It is in order to congratulate the buyers on their purchased ‘victory’ while shedding some tears for the sellers with the Calvary elegy that ‘Father Forgive Them For They Knoweth Not What They Do.’ God Bless Nigeria and may God Guide Ondo State.”
Adebayo’s post has since sparked conversation across the country, with calls for reform and a stronger commitment to electoral integrity in Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the reinstatement of Olorunfemi Ayodele Festus as the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the Ondo State governorship election, replacing Olusola Ebiseni just hours before the vote.
The decision followed a Court of Appeal ruling which overturned an earlier Federal High Court judgment that had named Ebiseni as the party’s candidate.
In an official statement shared on its X handle, INEC confirmed receiving the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the appellate court’s judgment.
INEC’s statement explained that the Federal High Court in Abuja had initially directed the Commission on September 27, 2024, to recognize Ebiseni as LP’s candidate, but the Court of Appeal nullified this decision, citing jurisdictional issues.
In compliance with the appellate court’s ruling, INEC restored Festus’s candidacy, adding his name to their website as the official Labour Party nominee for the 2024 Ondo State Governorship election.
This unexpected development introduces a last-minute shift for the Labour Party, which has been actively preparing for a competitive election.
-
Crime1 year agoPolice nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months agoFCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year agoTinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year agoINEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year agoEchocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year agoIPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months agoKingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu