Former Delta State Governor, James Onanafe Ibori, has debunked the rumour making the round that he has directed his supporters in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Candidates in the March 18th, 2023, Governorship and State House of Assembly Election in Delta State.
The Delta State Campaign Council of the PDP has also appealed to party faithfuls and voters in the state to ignore the fake announcement reported in some communities, alleging that one of the founding fathers, Ibori, has thrown his weight behind APC in next Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly election.
Spokesperson of the Council, Olorogun Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, in a statement on Wednesday, urged Deltans and registered voters, especially members of PDP in the State to ignore the unauthorized and fake announcement, saying that Ibori will not now, or in the near future, involve himself in any unlawful anti-party activity as the fake directive seem to suggest.
He said Delta APC and its Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has again shown that they do not have the grassroots support and the popularity to win the Guber election, so, they mischievously adopted misinformation, lies and media propaganda to deceive gullible voters, noting that no sane Deltan will believe APC propagandists in their latest desperate attempt to misinform the public and voters.
Oghenesivbe, who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, recalled that Ibori recently assured leaders and stakeholders of the party in Delta Central, a few days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections at his Oghara country home, that no circumstances will warrant him to resign his member of PDP.
He disclosed that Chief Ibori, at the well attended meeting, assured that he would continue to support all candidates of PDP in the ongoing general election; and urged Ethiope leaders and stakeholders to deliver his look-alike daughter, Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu at the polls. She won the House of Representatives seat, and subsequently collected member-elect certificate of Return for Ethiope Federal Constituency.
Oghenesivbe appealed to all eligible voters in Delta state to disregard the fake announcement masterminded by some desperate APC members, and to vote Sheriff Oborevwori and all House of Assembly candidates of PDP next Saturday March 18
“Delta APC and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege desperate attempt to grab power has taken a new unscrupulous dimension. They are panicking and nervous over the soaring popularity and series of endorsements for PDP Governorship candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, JP
“Their overzealous campaigners are going round communities across the state, alleging that former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has directed all registered voters to vote APC on Saturday March 18. This is desperation taken to far. Ibori never gave such directive.
“Our findings clearly revealed that our national leader and former governor, Chief James Ibori, did not authorize the fake endorsement of APC, and knew nothing about the announcements making the rounds. It’s APC and Senator Agege desperation to win election by hook or crook.
“Chief Ibori assured leadership of PDP and stakeholders in Delta Central Senatorial District at his Oghara residence few days before Presidential and National Assembly election that he shall continue to support all candidates of PDP; including his Daughter, Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, now House of Representatives member elect for Ethiope Federal Constituency under PDP.
“PDP Delta hereby state categorically that Chief Ibori is still a highly respected member of PDP, and will not be involved in any anti party activity as erroneously portrayed by the fake announcement.
“The best governorship candidate for the election remain, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori of the PDP. Support him, vote PDP on Saturday March 18..
“Oborevwori’s M O.R.E agenda will advance Delta State through Meaningful Development, Opportunity for all Deltans, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced peace and security, anchored on transparency, accountability, honesty and open door policy,” Oghenesivbe said.
