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The inauguration of Ward Chairmen in Ughelli South Local Government Council of Delta State, by the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday heightened apprehensions among party faithful in the state.
Loyalists of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa were reportedly lamenting what they described as a looming nightmare, even as it was reliably gathered that the Sheriff faction might have succeeded in wooing aggrieved members to its fold.
It would be recalled that the zonal Vice Chairman, South/South, Dr. Cairo Ojuogbo, last week insisted that the Sheriff camp remains the authentic leadership, saying that the faction will inaugurate all the wards chairmen across the 25 Local Government Councils of Delta State.
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However, in a swift reaction, state chairman of the party, Mr. Kingsley Essiso, described the inauguration of ward chairmen by Sheriff faction as mere shadow chasing, adding, “we have no faction in Delta PDP”.
Also, factional state chairman in Ughelli South, Sir Michael Oruaefe, told journalists, that the Sheriff-led PDP remains the most authentic and recognised leadership, and called on the party faithful to work for the victory of the party come 2019.
Oruafe added: “We are not bothered about the protest against our inauguration, we are the most authentic and recognised, our members should be reminded that their election is a call to higher duty for which they cannot afford to fail the party, but to deliver hundred percent.”
He disclosed that INEC has recognised the candidate of the Sheriff camp for the fourth coming Ondo State governorship, and stressed that by the grace of God, Senator Ali Modu Sherrif will lead the party to victory come 2019.
Investigation by The Guardian revealed that ahead of the 2017 council poll in the state, the Sheriff faction has embarked on extensive sensitization tour of various councils.
While maintaining that the Sheriff faction has no problem with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Oruaefe emphasized that Dr. Okowa as governor retains his recognition as the leader of the party in the state.
