Delta APC displays newfound unity for Buhari in Uyo

It was a golden outing for Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) during the recent flag-off of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. When President Muhamadu Buhari arrived the stadium at exactly 4.04pm, the tumultuous applause from party faithful that heralded his entry reverberated in the Delta State pavilion.

If Buhari had looked in that direction, the president, who was accompanied by APC bigwigs, including the national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, Presidential Campaign Director General, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Akpabio and Owelle Rochas Okorocha, would have noticed that Delta’s was more a shout of joy for the unity being forged in their camp.

APC National Vice Chairman, South/South, Ntufan Prince Illiat Etah, said prayers of thanksgiving as if he was echoing what was in the hearts of party members from Delta State. He described Buhari as a lion that has come to save the country from goats that were eating the people’s yams. 

President Buhari, in his brief speech, said, “If you could recall, in 2015 we went throw the length and breadth of this country. We based our campaign fundamentally on three fundamental issues of security, economy and fighting corruption. I will like those who want to challenge us at any level, at any constituency, to doubt our contribution to any of these three titles.”

Also, Tinubu remarked: “Today is a very successful day. For the sake of a better Nigeria, we shall reelect President Muhammadu Buhari for the progress of our nation, the continuity of hope and progress.  “In 2015 we came as Nigerians were yearning for a change from ineptitude, corruption and importation of all manners of goods into the country, as well as a change for the diversification from a mono economy.”  

A deafening ovation greeted Senator Akpabio to the microphone as he thundered: “On a day like this, I would rather thank Mr. President and the leadership of the party for choosing Akwa Ibom State to flag-off the 2019 presidential campaign. “The point I want to make here, however, is that in 2019, the election will be all about integrity versus others. Mr. President has continued to perform beyond the imagination of those in opposition, as he has completed projects and has started more. So, we are also running our campaign on the basis of performance.”

The four APC gubernatorial candidates from Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Rivers States, with the exception of Bayelsa, were called up to receive their flags from the party’s national chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. In his speech, the former governor of Edo State threw jibes at the main opposition party, PDP, and its presidential candidate. He said: “My task this afternoon has been made very simple by President Buhari, a leader who leads by example; a man of impeccable integrity, one who is celebrated by credible world leaders.

“We are honoured, Mr. President that you decided to start your campaign in the South/South geo political zone. Like the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the party said, the people from this zone appreciate this gesture. And looking around, I am certain that Mr. President must be impressed with the huge turn out of the people from South/South in general and those from Akwa Ibom in particular, for the presidential campaign, which means that the people not only appreciate you, but will vote for APC all the way.”

Oshiomhole described Akwa Ibom State APC candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, as one who is not coming to learn, as he is armed with managerial experience as the current Chief Executive Officer of NDDC.Speaking after receiving the flag, Delta State APC governorship candidate, Chief Great Ogboru, said what the Uyo flag presentation means to him is that it is “a symbol of authority from the party, a confirmation that you are the chosen one. I am happy about it. It is a responsibility and a confirmation that I’m the captain of the party in Delta State.”

He added that with his candidature no longer in doubt, the way forward is that “we have to continue working with unity of purpose, working for a change, because united we stand for a successful outing to deliver the needed governance to the good people of Delta State, who are yearning for a change. “Hopefully, with all hands and efforts we will be able to deliver victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and also win the state for APC.”

With the newfound unity in the party, Ogboru said he was expecting a united front for the February and March elections, adding, “I think we have to continue working on getting all party faithful towards a united family. Don’t expect total compliance, but largely we shall work closely with all members as efforts will also be geared towards winning more converts to our teeming supporters.”