Editorial: The Intriguing Battle for the Soul of Delta PDP

The recent letter written by INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega to PDP National headquarters that he would have no dealings with 8 state PDP executive, including that of Delta State over alleged inconclusive congresses that produced the executive of the affective states may not mean anything to most Nigerians whose apathy for our electioneering process has worsen since 1999, but it has sent shock waves and further heightened the political stake by active politicians and other stakeholders who know the political implications as it affects the 2011 general elections in those states. Even the most insensitive and perceived disenfranchised Deltan will acknowledge the political undercurrent and uneasy calm which Professor Jega’s letter has generated in Delta State. Jega’s letter as it relates to Delta State is not unconnected with persistent moves by Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark led Delta State Elders and leaders to cause a drastic change in the state party leadership with a view to “provide a level playing ground” in the upcoming primaries. The frenzy and media war that has arisen since the INEC letter was made public in some National media gives credence to the political permutation by both the Chief E.K. Clark group and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan loyalists, led by the State PDP Chairman, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi.

The Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark in an advertorial directed to PDP National Chairman, Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo and published in the October 6, 2010 edition of Vanguard Newspaper stated in Part, “the unilateral selection of candidates and indiscriminate substitution of duly elected ones have not only eroded the people of their right to choice but also have been the bane of our democratic practice”. Adding “Mr. Chairman Sir, this is what I have committed over 60years of my existence on earth in fighting against injustice, unfairness and oppression.

I noted with delight the several statements of commitment Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR) has made not only to Nigerians but to all world leaders that his administration will conduct credible, free and fair elections in 2001”. A seeming Pro Uduaghan group that goes by the name “Delta Democratic Network” has in the same tabloid accused the Honourable Minister for Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe of moves to destabilise and derail the party National Chairman after allegedly “single handedly produced the National Chairman of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Nwodo”. One thing that is very clear in the unfolding political scenario in Delta PDP is that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his supporters will have an easy sail in the primaries should the Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi led executive remain in control, hence the relentless move by Chief Edwin Clark’s group to cause a restructuring in the party ahead its primaries.