Various splinter groups supporting the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, in Delta State led by the Director for Peter Obi in Diaspora, Dr. David Solomon, have endorsed the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON as governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections.
The groups on Monday February 13th 2023, comprising different groups supporting Peter Obi, endorsed the SDP’s candidate, in a voice vote, after a meeting in Oginibo, Ughelli south local government area of the state.
They said after a careful evaluation of all the candidates including that of Labour Party, Ken Pela, they recommend and endorsed the LP presidential and SDP gubernatorial candidates, to all lovers of democracy geared towards liberating the country and the state, for the 2023 general elections.
Dr. Solomon gave them all necessary assurance from the SDP flag bearer to run an all-inclusive government.
Amongst the criteria used in selecting their choice of endorsement include factors such as experience; requisite track record in public service, business and education; evidence of state and national penetration; religious and ethnic balance.
Other criteria include; pan-Deltan and tolerance, reasonable popularity, physical fitness for the rigours of state as well as the existing structure of the political party and current candidate for 2023 according to INEC records.
Dr. Solomon, who presided over the endorsement said the groups decided to go for a pan-Deltan governorship candidate, following the imposition of Sheriff Oborevwori, by the PDP against massive protest.
He disclosed that SDP had produced Olorogun Felix Ibru, as governor of the state, who declared free education, a resounding feat that Gbagi, a former minister of state for education, would implement across the State from the first day he is sworn-in.
Hear him: “with somebody like Kenneth Gbagi, becomes our governor, these three ports will become operational.
“And then look at our airports, the Asaba airport, Gbagi has vowed to make it a five lane airport and all of those vast land around the airport, a lot of hotels and businesses will be built there that will generate money for the state.
“Gbagi, is putting together a team that will help transform and invite investors from Al over the world who are ready to come to Delta State.
“When we have the right government and the right governor like Gbagi, in Delta State, oil companies will relocate back to the State. Shell company, is already in talk with him that they will return if he becomes the governor of the state.
“The first governor of this state, was from SDP, Olorogun Felix Ibru and when he was a governor what did we get? Free education and Gbagi, intends to continue the free education for every Delta child.
“When you are not worried about school fees and books, won’t you like to go back and get a second degree? Won’t you like to get your Masters? So, there are more of opportunities that awaits us.
“PDP and APC have caused us so much pains for more than 20 years PDP made promises and none of the promises have been fulfilled”, he lamented.
Also speaking, Dr. Helen Solomon, commended the Coordinators of the various groups for having the understanding of divine timetable.
She expressed hope that there is a new Nigeria, ‘and do you know that new Nigeria? It is you and I. We are here because we believe in the individuals, men who have capacity, integrity, character and men who have what it takes to say enough is enough.
“And we have found these men at the federal and State levels. And so, let us dare to speak up and end the ways of the old order.
“I am grateful to God and to each and every Deltan that have found a man like Gbagi, because he has vision. We have found a man who is ready to turn Delta State around”, she insisted.
Highlight of the meeting was a unanimous endorsement of Peter Obi for president and Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, for Delta’s governor.
