A total of 13 names will be on the battle today as the governorship primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta gets underway.
Emotions are high as Deltans anticipate the next possible successor to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is in last year of his second tenure.
The 13 aspirants are led by familiar faces with regards to politics in Delta State, in a battle that is purely between the Delta Central and Delta South Senatorial Districts.
Incumbent deputy governor, Barr. Kingsley, leads the list of familiar faces in the race to succeed his boss. Only time will tell if he has a strong structure to win the PDP ticket.
Former Chief of Staff to Governor Okowa, Olorogun David Edevbie, who contested the 2019 ticket with Okowa, enters the fray as a strong contender.
The former commissioner of finance to James Ibori is said to be the anointed candidate of the Ididigborigbo, who almost singlehandedly delivered the Ethiope Federal Constituency House of Representatives ticket for his daughter, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, who has long been painted as Governor Okowa’s anointed candidate, presents a strong case for other aspirants.
Sheriff, who is embroiled controversies over discrepancies with names on his certificates, appears to be the leading candidate from Delta Central.
Senator James Manager, another familiar face with Delta politics, presents another strong case for Delta South.
James, who currently occupies the Delta South Senatorial District seat, is a former State Chairman of the PDP, and has being in the Red Chamber for 20 years.
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Other aspirants in the race are; Chief Braduce Amakazi Angozi, former Commissioner of Agriculture, Delta State
A former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
The renowned industrialist just two days ago accused Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of undemocratic practices and threats to his life.
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He was thought to have withdrawn from the race as stated in a letter addressed to the PDP national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, but later debunked the reports of withdrawing.
Others are, former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Development, Olorogun Fred Majemite
Former Delta state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor (SAN).
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A former Delta State House of Assembly member, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye.
Chief Ejaife Odebala, former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs
Former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Onajefe-Gift Bright Edejewhro
Mr. Lucky Ohworode Idike, Member, Governing Council, Western Delta University, Oghara.
Chief Abel Oghenevo Esievo, former Auditor General, (Local Government) Delta State.
