Esiso returns unopposed as Delta PDP chair as Ibori, Nwaoboshis shun election

By Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

The crack within the Delta State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday, widened after ex-Gov James Ibori, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and other stakeholders of the party shunned the party’s election of its State executive council.

The Nation gathered that their absence may not be unconnected with the inability of party leaders to reach a consensus over the next chairman of the party.

It was learnt that while Delta Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa backed the incumbent, Kingsley Esiso to return, ex-Gov Ibori rooted for Godwin Atose, a former Chairman, Sapele local council area to become chairman.

The Nation gathered that among the sins of the newly elected Chairman, Kingsley Esiso was the allegations of non-performance and the fact that he moved his voting rights to Ethiope East Local Government Area after his first tenure.

Sapele PDP stakeholders led by Felix Anirah, member representing Sapele Constituency has been in the forefront opposed to the new chairman on the grounds that the party had zoned the chairmanship position to Sapele local government area.

Chairman, PDP Congress Committee, Dr. Lawrence Ezenwa declared Mr. Kingsley Esiso as winner having scored 2792 yes votes to clinch the chairmanship position.

Ezenwa said accredited delegates were 2803 while 2800 total votes were cast at the election.

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission supervised the election.

The other 13 aspirants who contested for different positions scaled through as they were returned unopposed.

Ezenwa noted that some government appointees found their way into the delegates list, adding that the committee expunged their names.

The election which commenced at about 10.00 a.m amidst tight security in Asaba, Delta State capital had 2803 delegates participating in the election.

The enforcement of social distancing rules was largely observed in the breach, hand washing stations were placed at strategic locations at the venue.

Delta Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, reaffirmed that the strength of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) remained in consensus-building and peaceful resolution of issues and called for sustenance of the virtues.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Kingsley Esiso thanked party leaders for supporting his re-election, adding that the party remains united.