- Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has responded to reported threats by ex-Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo state, that the PDP would take Delta in 2019
- Okowa stated that it was irresponsible for the former governor to have made such a statement, and stressed that it would be very difficult for the APC to take his state
- Okowa also stated that Oshiomole had barely managed to keep Edo state in the APC fold and that he had no influence in Delta
Governor Ifeanyi Patrick Okowa of Delta state has stated that in a democratic process, it would be very difficult for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state in 2019, Vanguard reports.
The governor made his remarks in response to threats reportedly made by ex-Governor of Edo state Adams Oshiomole, that the APC would take his state during the next gubernatorial election.
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NAIJ.com gathers that Okowa stated that Oshiomole was giving himself a tall assignment; as he stated that the people of his state were happy with the PDP government.
In his words: “I didn’t listen to him, but I read him in the papers; if he said they would take it by hook or crook, I think that will be irresponsible. If it is by a normal process he believes they can take over Delta state through a democratic process; it will be very, very difficult.
“I think that will be a very tall assignment that he is giving himself. Delta state is essentially PDP, and we are doing our best despite the economic difficulties and challenges that we find ourselves.
“We are doing a lot, and our people are happy with us, and I do believe that the APC in Delta state as at today is not strong, they are not united, they are busy fighting themselves.
“I think they are just hoping that the federal government will just come in and install somebody, so they are busy fighting among themselves and politically we are doing the best that we can."
The governor also questioned the level of influence Oshiomole had in Delta, stating: “I don’t think Oshiomhole has any influence in Delta state.
“In his Edo state, he just managed to win an election while on his way out, and I think too that he was able to win that election probably because Godwin Obaseki was also a good candidate coming from the background that he came from.”
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that there were indications that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of may go unopposed for the 2019 governorship elections in Delta state.
This came following the massive endorsement from the major opposing ethnic group in the state, the Urhobo people of Delta central senatorial district, not long after former governor of the state, James Onanefe Ibori, endorsed the governor.
Ibori reportedly banned all Urhobo people from contesting the election against Governor Okowa.
Smartphones giveaway: Hurry up! 1 week until winner announced - on NAIJ.com TV:
Source: Naija.ng