The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has declared that the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, would emerge as the governor of the state in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

Speaking in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area of the Delta State on Saturday when Oborevwori played host to him, the former governor, who was accompanied by Delta South PDP officials and party’s candidates in the 2023 general election, said the visit was to further show his support for the Speaker’s candidacy as well as to put to rest the rumour making the rounds that he and former Governor James Ibori were at war over his latest show of solidarity for Oborevwori.

Uduaghan said: “I was not under any form of compulsion to support you. I am at a stage in my life where I do things based on my conviction. The Supreme Court has ratified your candidacy and given you the go-ahead to campaign. So we are all out to support you.

“You are the candidate who has been subjected to court processes the most in Delta. I was the sitting Governor who had been taken to court the most. So we share something in common. I declare today again to stand behind you and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections.”

The former governor warned that there were landmines ahead which the PDP governorship candidate should be cautious about, saying: There is still a lot to be done before the elections. You need to pass through the heat you are passing through now in order to be Governor. God has blessed you, but do not take Him for granted. Hold Him close because there are bumpier hurdles ahead.

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“Chief Ibori and I are not quarreling over this matter. He has accepted my latest decision to support you. He may publicly declare his stance soon and I know he loves the party more than all of us.

“If you say you are behind somebody, stay there. If you think you will remain in the PDP and be working for a candidate of another party, in no time, you will be found out. You will not be trusted by those whom you betrayed your party for. Please if you are here, stay here because politics is a very slippery venture,” Uduaghan said.

He further urged the PDP members to support the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Ifeanyi Okowa, as they supported Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

“I want to plead that the issue of our party’s presidential ticket be taken seriously like the governorship. The vice-presidential candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, is the first person from our state who has achieved this feat. Hate him or like him, he is a Deltan. Let us support him. His emergence will be to all of our interests,” the former governor added.

On his part, an elated Oborevwori expressed his appreciation gratitude to Uduaghan for his support and “great show of love”.

He said: “Your Excellency, Your name has been trending in the media because of your recent decision. Another move that struck my heart was when you went to your LGA and Ward to campaign 5/5 for us. This is very dear to me. I am happy that you’re campaigning for your brother, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. I am not the most qualified but I believe it is the will of God. My life’s story is like that of David in the Bible. I appreciate you for believing in our 5/5 and also reaching out to people to ensure that the party puts up a united front ahead of the elections.

“I am a man with excessive local content. That was one of the reasons you appointed me Special Adviser in your administration. I have said this severally but let me say it before you sir. Raising the hand of someone who contested against your daughter is very moving to me. You have shown us that we should not sacrifice the general interest of the party for personal interest. You will be remembered by history for a long long time.

“My M.O.R.E Agenda is my social contract with Deltans. Amongst all the candidates, I am the one that is in-tune with ordinary people. I don’t believe in talking too much but I will do what will directly impact the lives of the people.

“I am a Warri man to the core. I live amongst ordinary people and so I know their pains very well. I want to be a servant leader. We are very happy having you with us sir. I will certainly reciprocate your visit with PDP leaders from the three Senatorial districts, and consult you whenever the need arises.”

Others are the meeting were Senator Ighoyota Amori, Senator Emmanuel Agwariavwodo, Chief John Oguma, Chief Barr John Nani, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, and Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, amongst others.

The Star