By Emeka Nwokocha
Political activities in Okpe local government area of Delta State, on Wednesday 17, gained unprecedented momentum in the camps of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as chieftains of the party have girded their loins to lead the APC candidates to victory in the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
The unwavering stand of APC chieftains to control the political space in the forthcoming Delta State Local Government elections was made known in Ogborode, during the declaration of Mr. Sunny Omamunogho as APC Councillorship candidate for Ward 14, Okpe Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, APC chieftain, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Retd) expressed confidence that APC would coast to victory in the forthcoming local government elections. He said, “l can confidently tell you without any doubts that APC is strong enough to assert its popularity in the political space of the state and record a commendable win in the forthcoming local government elections.”
He continued, “given the fact that in the past 22 years, the PDP has not provided good governance in any form in the state, we are poised to change the narrative starting with the local government elections.”
On how the APC would ensure the votes and result of the election reflect the wishes of the electorates, Air Vice Marshal Ajobena (Retd) said, “we are going to do something differently by ensuring we prevent vote rigging. We will not give PDP any chance to rig us out because we will be on ground.”
Ajobena asserted that the popularity of APC in the state is waxing very strong, noting that in Uvwie, Udu, and other local government areas, the winning spree of APC would be a dress rehearsal of what the outcome of 2023 election in the state would be.
Reacting to strongly held opinions from some quarters that the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) would not be fair in the conduct of the elections, Ajobena simply said, “it is up to them to do the right thing. We leave them to their conscience, but we will show strength and capacity to ensure the votes are protected.” He subtly added, “there will be no room for them to rig the election.”
Reacting to the lingering brawl in the APC in Delta State, Ajobena said that all hands were on deck to restore permanent peace in the party. He said, “we are building on the peace process and we will come out a stronger party and will work together to ensure victory in the state.” Ajobena added, ” being conscious of what happened to us in 2019, we won’t want a repeat of that scenario.”
In a similar vein, another APC stalwart, Chief Cosmas Ighoraye, encouraged the APC Chairmanship candidate for Okpe Local Government Council, Hon. Happy Ofurhebeta, and the Councillorship candidate for Ward 14, Ogborode, Mr. Sunny Omamunogho not to relent on their ambitions, noting that the coast is clear for them to emerge victorious at the polls.
Continuing, Chief Ighoraye, told the candidates that Okpe local government area is a stronghold of APC, even as he tasked them on due diligence and confidence, stating that with the right campaign strategies and organising of the electorates, victory is guaranteed.
While praying for the candidates, Chief Ighoraye said, “this is the right time for you to posses your possession. You have elements of faithfulness, kindness, sincerity and service to the people. l assure you that this state (Delta) must be taken over by APC by using our quality votes.”
Continuing, Chief Ighoraye, tasked the party faithful on patient, saying that the victory of APC at the polls would bring a lot of good to the people.
He added, “let us work together as a family, put in our best to get victory at the polls.”
Speaking earlier, Hon. Ofurhebeta, expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious at the polls, stating that Okpe local government area has been denied infrastructural and economic development over the years, even as he backlashed successive administrations of PDP for lacking administrative ingenuity to turn the fortune of the people around. He promised to change the narratives of poor governance in Okpe, saying that he would bring the dividend of democracy to the people of Okpe and embark on people-oriented policies that would upscale economic activities and improve well-being of the people.
In the same vein, Mr. Omamunogho, said he would make huge impact in Ward 14, stating that he would influence policies that would improve primary education, and ensure quality primary healthcare services are available to his people.
Other APC faithful at the event were Hon. Onegba Jerry, Vice Chairmanship candidate for Okpe Local Government Area; Hon. Dennis Okorogben, L.G.A Chairman; Chief Larry Dafiode; Mr. Daniel A.; Mr. Omajemite Daniel; and others.
