Delta opposition parties explain Okowa’s endorsement as consensus candidate

Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Less than two months after Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa was declared winner of the gubernatorial elections in Delta state, his opponents at the election have revealed that before the March 9 date of the election, they had adopted the governor as their consensus candidate.

Spokesperson for all the governorship candidates, Dr. Anthony Clarke, speaking when 38 governorship candidates visited the governor at Government House, Asaba, disclosed that as the 2019 governorship election drew near,

the opposition governorship candidates in collaboration with other political parties that did not field candidates appraised Okowa’s achievements in the last four years and decided to adopt him as our consensus candidate.

According to Dr. Clarke, who was the gubernatorial candidate of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), no sacrifice was too much for the opposition candidates to make in order to ensure that the best candidate governs Delta state for another four years.

“I wish to on behalf of my fellow governorship candidates in the 2019 governorship election, congratulate you, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for your deserved victory in the 2019 governorship election in which you were re-elected for a second term in office, as your remarkable victory is a testimony of your achievements in your first term.

“In essence, it is germane to say that over 70 political parties collaborated with Gov. Okowa in the 2019 governorship election; the collaboration is unprecedented in the history of Delta state and it explains why rancour and post-election litigations have been reduced to the barest minimum in the state,” he said.

Clarke also used the opportunity to debunk claims that they were induced to adopt Okowa as their candidate, stating that the governor neither met with them prior to the election nor made any financial overtures or promises to them.

He asserted that their action was based on their patriotism and the desire for someone who has performed and has the ability to do more to be encouraged to continue with his actions.

Responding, Gov. Okowa thanked the governorship candidates for their patriotism, observing that the interest of the state and the people of the state should supersede personal interests.

“I must thank you for coming out in this number to congratulate me after the elections; it is important that we appreciate you for taking the decision to adopt me in the interest of our people.

Delta state belongs to all of us and it is a good thing that today, Deltans are more united and committed to building a stronger Delta state,” he said.