Delta PDP In Coma As Exodus Defection Hits Party

By Kenneth Orusi, The Nigerian Voice, Asaba

To wrestle power from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State ahead of the 2019 general elections, about 5, 000 PDP faithful have decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Patani local government area of the state.

Mr Israel Unutame who spoke on behalf of the decampees, Friday, said; “We are the people doing the dirty jobs and magic in PDP during general elections but today we turn our back on PDP and that magic will now be done in APC come 2019.”

Another respondent, the former PDP Chairman of Patani local government, Vincent Oborikpo noted that “We have led over 5000 PDP women, men and youths to join APC to work with our whole hearts to bring results. The population of Patani Local Government Area is 70, 000 and our voting strength is 40, 000; we therefore ask for your normal support whenever we come to you as leaders”.

Receiving the defectors on behalf of the party, leader of the All Progressive Congress in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor declared that there was fever in the camp of the People’ Democratic Party in the state at the moment.

Emerhor who was the party’s governorship flag bearer in the 2015 gubernatorial race who commend the Mr. Unutame and Oborikpo for leading the people to join APC, noted: “Today we are receiving strong men from PDP therefore PDP is going down and our ground is been boosted. There is fever in the camp of Delta PDP right now. Because when Delta PDP heard of this defection, they begin to beg them with appointment as Special Assistants and contracts without payment that will bring trouble.

“PDP is gone and I am excited about this mammoth crowd; and I tell you that Patani is moving in the right direction. Some people are yet to join us and I know their fears; but do not be afraid for APC is taking over Delta in 2019.

“Therefore, anybody still outside should come and join us now because nobody is left in PDP. President Buhari is not going to allow anymore rigging in elections because it is now going to be one man, one vote, like the just concluded Anambra governorship Election”.

Also, state coordinator of APC Elders Council, Cairo Ojougboh said, “Deltans must stop a government that has no budget which is a blue print fraud. Deltans have the weapons to stop it with their voters’ card, all APC supporters must to go back to their various units and wards to sensitize the people including those who are up to 18 years on the urgent need to register and cast your votes in 2019”.

Those who defected are, Mr. Israel Unutame, Mr. Vincent Oborikpo, former PDP Chairman Patani LGA, Lewis Ekiyor, Mr. Otuoge James, Mr. Okpebetere, Mr. Abel Takore, Mr. Commander Samuel, Mr. Prince Lawrence Babidor, Mr. Jonathan Owekeyi Bright among others.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the wife of a former National Chairman of PDP, Ahmadu Ali, has left the party for the APC.

Dr. (Mrs) Mariam Nneamaka Comfort Abiodun Ali, was received on Thursday by the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, at the party’s National Secretariat.

It was learnt that Mrs Ali was accompanied by the Delta State APC Chairman, Jones Ode Erue; Frank Kokori; Great Ogboru, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and other top APC stalwarts and supporters from Delta State.

Mrs Ali said joined the APC to continue rendering services to her people and Nigeria at large.

“I know also a lot of people will wonder why I have chosen to opt for a political party different from my husband’s. The answer is not farfetched. My family is a unique family. It is a family devoid of religious and ethnic differences. You are all aware that Dr. Ahmadu Ali is a Muslim and I am passionate Catholic. Also, Dr. Ahmadu Ali is from North Central and I am form the South South.

“We symbolise a people who want to serve a nation, a nation where oneness, love and peace reign supreme.

Odigie-Oyegun, in his remarks, said Mrs. Ali’s entrance to the APC had added value and quality to the party and its leadership both in Delta State and at the national level.