The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has become a divided house, following its polarsation by the leadership crisis at the national level. OKUNGBOWA AIWERIE examines the issues that led to the factionalisation of the chapter and what it portends for the future of the party.
The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in turmoil, no thanks to the crisis bedeviling the party at the national level.
The party is split into two camps. In one camp is Mr. Kingsley Esiso, who assumed office following the controversial election conducted by leaders loyal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Austin Ogbaburhon is recognised by the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff camp.
Ogbaburhon is a former deputy chairman and former House of Representative member.
The recent inauguration of the factional executive committee headed by Esiso at Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, home of the governor, was witnessed by members of the governor’s camp.
Undoubtedly, the party has become factionalised as a result of the division that have trailed the emergence of Esiso as chairman in a congress which many described as flawed.
Esiso emerged as chairman through consensus, to the chagrin of aspirants, who had earlier signified interest in the job.
Many aggrieved members felt that Okowa imposed Esiso on the people.
An aggrieved PDP faithful, Chief Inana Michael from Ethiope East council, is of the view that the congresses that brought Esiso to power was done in a ‘shoddy’ manner, warning it ‘can lead to mass defection to opposition parties’.
Also, a stalwart, Austin Ogbolu, said the State Working Committee held a meeting that zoned the position to Delta Central, but lamented that “it is now being occupied by Esiso from Warri North Local Government Area in Delta South Senatorial District.”
But, the State Organising Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Sunny Onoriode, pointed out that the aggrieved members participated in the congress.
He said the group being paraded by the Sheriff faction cannot be referred to as a parallel executive, adding that it lacked a constitutional foundation because it did not go through the due process.
His words: “There is no other congress that took place in Delta State. it was only one. And almost all the actors that claim to be on the other side today are just looking for relevance because they were all part of those that elected this current executive.
“I do not see them as a faction; they are just a group of persons inside the PDP that are looking for relevance. There are areas in the country where congresses did not hold. In the case of Delta State, there was a successful congress monitored by the INEC, conducted by a panel put in place by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, and the outcome of that congress is what you have today as the exco in Delta State.”
But, Okowa has responded to the threat of looming mass defection in the party.
A source said: “Governor Okowa is uncomfortable with the development and has summoned the chairman, Esiso, to find a way to stem the ongoing defection to the Sheriff camp’.
The source added: “the Kingsley Esiso-led exco has embarked on a tour of the 25 local councils in the state to sensitize and encourage them to remain steadfast and committed to the current leadership of the party”.
The tour, which commenced with a visit to Patani, Bomadi, Uvwie and Warri South councils, has progressed to Koko in Warri North Local Government Area and other parts of the state.
But, it remains to be seen whether the tour will yield the desired result for the Esiso-led executive.
The factional chairman, Ogbaburhon, has reiterated his commitment to the unity of the party, stressing that the factions, notwithstanding, the party will come out stronger.
He said that his executive council was on ground, stressing that the Urhobos are particularly happy about his coming on board as the chairman of the party.
His words: “I know in Delta State we are very much on the ground; especially with me coming in as the chairman. It is well applauded by the Urhobos, who now say that it is now they know they have an Urhobo as a chairman. But, I would always say that PDP is one. Despite the fact that we two factions in the party, we are one. we are not fighting ourselves. All we are doing is to make sure that the party comes together’.
Ogbaburhon debunked the allegation that his inauguration was a negotiation tool in the ongoing reconciliation process.
He assured that the reconciliation between the two factions at the national level would be successful, adding: “They have agreed to resolve the issues. they are only working out the modalities for reconciliation and probably some harmonization. So, very soon they will come up with a paper to see that the party comes together as one again.”
Also, while acknowledging the reconciliation process at the national level, the Esiso-led executive has claimed it is the authentic executive. Esiso declared: “I remain the authentic state chairman of the party. “There was no congress in Delta State that brought in the Austin Ogbaburhon-led exco”.
It is clear that the authentic chairman will be determined by the outcome of the spirited attempts to forge reconciliation. Will the resolution favour the Esiso-led executive committee, which emerged from a congress, or in favour of Ogbaburhon, who was inaugurated in Agbor without a congress? Time will tell.
The danger is that the opposition party whose ranks continue to swell may cash in and entice the aggrieved members to do damage to the PDP’s chances in the 2019 general elections.
