Nigeria Content Online

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.