PDP Delta Mandate has said that it is untrue it is shopping for or shortlisting aspirants for 2023 Governorship in the state.
The group has also reiterated that it looks up to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and patiently awaits him to give the direction on his choice of the governorship aspirant that will succeed him come 2023.
In a statement electronically sent to NewsNet Nigeria on Saturday and signed by its National Secretary, Edewor T. Omonemu Esq., the PDP Delta Mandate said it is not in any way a rival group to Delta Political Vanguard (DPV).
Reacting to a writeup purportedly written by one Obi Efe (Delta pickin) alleging recent rivalry between PDP Delta Mandate and Delta Political Vanguard on the choice of the next governor of the state, Omonemu clarified that: “First, the PDP Delta Mandate as a political pressure group within the PDP has been in existence since late 2014 and was not formed to compete with or remove the shine from the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV).
“For the avoidance of doubt, PDP Delta Mandate and Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) are NOT rival groups and are therefore NOT working at cross purposes.
“Secondly, the two bodies or groups are working to further the interest of the Leader of the party in Delta State which is His Excellency, Our amiable Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“Thirdly, it should be clearly noted that the PDP Delta Mandate is NOT shopping for or shortlisting Aspirants for 2023 Governorship! The current slogan of the Mandate Group as espoused in its August, 2021 Press Release is and still is “DELTA MANDATE: ON OKOWA WE STAND”.
“The above slogan presupposes that the ultimate decision of His Excellency shall be the mandate of the Group.”
Obi Efe (Delta pickin) had partly in his writeup said, “Sources have it that the mandate is the creation of Chief Lawrence Osiegbu and Chief Anwuzia, a.k.a anarchy, the Senior Political Adviser to Okowa. Popular belief is that it was created to remove relevance from the Vanguard, which was created and is being driven by illiterates.
“The Mandate is taking itself very seriously and have already started drawing up its own list of candidates. Very reliable sources say, their list, not in any order has: 1. George Orogun 2. Sen Emmanuel Aguariavwodo 3. Hon. Festus Agas and Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.”