The internal crisis rocking the Delta State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) reared its ugly head again yesterday as the two factions of the party held separate primaries, leading to the emergence of two governorship candidates in Asaba and Warri respectively.
While the primaries organised by the Peter Nwaoboshi-led executive in Asaba produced the incumbent governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan as its candidate for the April general elections, the Godwin Ebomah-led faction confirmed Saliba Umukoro as its own candidate.
With this development, indigenes of the state, especially members of the opposition parties, have been thrown into a state of confusion as to who the authentic flag bearer of the ruling party would be in the forthcoming general election.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the exercise, Mr Mukoro said only the national leadership of the party headed by its National Chairman, Okwesileze Nwodo can determine who will fly the flag of the party even as he said the national secretariat was aware of the factions in the state chapter of the party.
He said that he picked his intent form from the national secretariat of the party and will send same, including the list of those elected along with him to the national secretariat of the party for approval.
“The National Secretariat is aware of the parallel executive of the party in the state because I picked my intent form from the national exco in Abuja and not Asaba, so they are aware we are conducting our primaries here,” he said.
When asked if he was prepared to embrace reconciliation moves to resolving the crisis, Mr Mukoro said that he will only embrace reconciliation that is decided by the national secretariat of the party.
He also said as soon as the coast is clear, he will choose a running mate for the April 2011 general election. Expressing optimism that the Clark faction will carry the day in the state, he urged Delta State indigenes to keep the hope alive saying the that change they have been yearning for in the state will soon come into reality.
Polarised party
The disagreement which led to the polarisation of the party emanated from the 2007 party congress held at Ogwashi-Uku, near Asaba, the state capital as a result of the power tussle between Edwin Clark and Emmanuel Uduaghan over the control of the party in the state.
While Mr Clark supports Mr Ebomah as the party chairman against Mr Nwaboshi, who is recognised by the state government.
Mr Clark who was represented at yesterday’s primaries by the Chairman, Central Working Committee of the Delta State Elder, Leaders and Stakeholders, Godwin Ogbetuo at the Mid-West Inn, Enerhen, said his group will not be deterred or intimidated by anybody or group opposed to it in the state.
In Asaba, Mr Uduaghan, who last week won the governorship election despite opposition from the Ebomah-led faction, said his victory means the people of the state wants a continuation of his administration. His election was witnessed by INEC officials.
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