Joel-Onowakpo joins Delta South Senate race, Ejele's camp jitters

Uneasy calm now envelopes the camp of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta South senatorial aspirant in the 2023 general elections, Evangelist Michael Diden, popularly known as Ejele, following the declaration of former Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, DBIR, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, to vie the same position under the banner of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Joel-Onowakpo announced his intention to contest for the Senate seat on his verified Facebook page late night Friday, April 29, 2022.

NewsNet Nigeria gathered that Joel-Onowakpo’s entrance into the race has sent shock waves to the camp of Ejele, who hitherto according to keen political watchers in Delta was yet to have a strong challenger for the race.

The former DBIR boss from Isoko Federal Constituency some sources say far outweighs Ejele in terms of competence, capacity, antecedents and pedigree to be that strong voice currently being desired by the people of Delta South to represent them in the Red Chamber come 2023.

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Joel-Onowakpo who contested for the Isoko Federal Constituency seat in 2019 had Thursday announced the appointment of Isoko-born Lagos based journalist, Godday Odidi Aguriase as his Personal Press Secretary.

His Facebook page reads below:

ATTENTION!!!

My fellow progressives,

Three years ago, precisely 2019; I stood out with the ambition to represent my good people of Isoko nation to offer myself for election as the House of Representatives Member, representing our beloved people on the platform of our great party The All Progressives Congress (APC).

I remain grateful for the trust you have continually reposed in me till this day while we go through uncommon challenges in our march of progress to bring development to our people.

I am very grateful for your support and understanding in the difficult periods we have journeyed through.

Distinguished brothers and sisters, I know you must have been inundated with the rumour that I am contesting once again. Yes, it is true, I am running for the position of the Senate, to represent the amazing people of the Delta South Senatorial District at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Long ago I said there is 99% assurance that I may not contest in 2023, But I left 1% out because I know the place of God in human affairs. Today let me reiterate, that Godly 1% has surpassed my 99%.

My sincere apology is to the people who have consulted me before now, for which I told expressly that I was not contesting. This decision became necessary and is being taken in the best interest of all.

Finally, I am overwhelmed by the trust, confidence, and support of the various organs of our party here in Isoko, and across the Senatorial district.

We have to move forward.

Only forward!

Moving Delta South Senatorial District forward! Moving Delta State forward!

God bless the good people of Isoko land,

God bless Delta South, God bless Delta State, and God bless Nigeria.

APC!!!!!!

Thank you.

Hon. Joel Onowakpo, Thomas Ewomazino MBA, FCA, FCTI(Majidadin Kaigama Katsina)