By Onome Oghenetega
As the leadership crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress continues, the Olorogun O’tega Emerhor-led Mainstream Delta APC (MDA) has finally agreed to work for the victory of the APC in the March 9 Governorship and State Houses of Assembly Election in the state.
MDA also agreed to deliver the governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru and candidates of the party for the various House of Assembly elections in the state.
This is coming barely 24 hours after the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state where he was represented by his Vice, Prof Yemi Osinbajo at a townhall meeting with traditional rulers and APC leaders on Monday.
Buhari had during the visit called on all APC leaders irrespective of their grievances to work for the victory of the party particularly for governorship seat, noting that there was no reason why Delta should be in the hands of opposition PDP.
Delta APC has been embroiled in leadership tussle following the emergence of two factional chairmen – Prophet Jones Eru and Chief Cyril Ogodo. While Erue faction has the blessings of Ogboru, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Ogodo has the backing of Emerhor, Prof Pat Utomi, Engr. Victor Ochei and others.
Ogodo emerged through the primary recognized by the then APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun. Erue emerged through another factional primary which was later recognized by the current APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole following an alleged ‘court pronouncement.’
However, rising from an expanded meeting of the caucus of the Mainstream Delta APC held in Evwreni in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, MDA said the decision was for the overall interest of the party.
In a communiqué signed by Chief Alfred Oloko, (Coordinator) and Awele Van-Nwoko, (Leader MDA) at the end of the meeting, the caucus of MDA passed a vote of confidence on Olorogun Emerhor and APC factional chairman, Chief Cyril Ogodo.
According to the statement, “The MDA resolved to work assiduously for the victory of APC and all its candidates in the forthcoming Governorship and State House Assembly elections of March 9, 2019, in Delta state.
“The MDA passes a vote of absolute confidence in the able leadership of Olorogun O’tega Emerhor OON and the Chief Cyril Ogodo led State Exco of the party and pledges to continue to support them in the onerous task of leading APC in Delta State to greater heights.”
While congratulating President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election in the February 23rd Presidential and National Assembly Elections, the statement thanked Nigerians for overwhelmingly voting for APC for another for years.
“The MDA congratulates President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR and Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON on their well deserved sweeping victory at the Presidential election of February 23, 2019. The MDA thanks Nigerians for giving our President four more years to move Nigeria to the next level of progress and development.
“The MDA thanks all its members, particularly the 4000 canvassers it inaugurated for the door to door campaign leading up to the presidential and national assembly elections of February 23, 2019 for their hard work in ensuring that Delta APC gave our president over 25% votes in Delta State”, it added.
