Protests have trailed the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), congress, held in Sapele local government area of Delta State.
A political pressure group in the party known as PDP Cares, alleged that the process was skewed against other stakeholders in council area.
A protest letter signed by Emoghene Onosakponome, Atubi Stanley and Eric Afiz, Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer respectively and made available to The Story, accused the State party chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, of allegedly receiving kickbacks from his stooges planted by him for his selfish benefits.
According to the petition, by PDP Cares, called on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene in the interest of the party.
The letter reads: “Your Excellency, we, Sapele PDP Cares, respectfully draw your attention to serious concerns that threaten the principles and future of our great party.
“The state chairman Barr Esiso consistently engages in self-serving behaviors undermining fair representation and credibility in his leadership.
“Specifically, his unilateral selection of Bright Abeke as Sapele candidate reeks of political opportunism rather than competence for the role.
“As DESOPADEC head for 3 years, records show Mr. Abeke failed to address community needs, contrary to Barr Esiso’s dishonest claims.
“This leaves no doubt control, not community progress, motivated the decision, to the celebration of opposition parties.
“Barr Esiso has also restricted patronage exclusively to cronies from Sapele LGA, including Hon. Perkins Umukoro, (Delta State House of Assembly member) Onome Akpokhere (SUBEB member), Dr. Enitan Godfrey, (Delta State Scholarship Board Executive Secretary), Julius Egbedi,(Commissioner representing Sapele, Ethiope West and Uvwie in the board of DESOPADEC) Sunny Ebireri, Acting Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Commission board and numerous SAs. Disregarding diversity and legitimate interests of others.
“All the above named office holders in Sapele are said to be remitting at least 60 percent of their funds to him, either in budget or salary.
“His monopolization of Sapele and neighboring areas threatens the party by prioritizing narrow motives over representation.
“Alarmingly, some seem to be buying positions by funding Barr Esiso personally in a corrupt interference that undermines merit-based appointments.
“Urgent intervention is needed to protect our integrity, restrain Barr Esiso’s damaging conduct, and guard against factions within the party.
“Sapele residents and all Deltans deserve qualified leadership addressing needs through fair democratic processes, not unsuitable candidates imposed through dubious means.
“Your Excellency, for the party’s long-term welfare and governance of all people, we appeal for a unifying candidate and resolution of this destabilizing situation through a thorough investigation.
“Justice demands qualified leadership selected through democratic fairness that prioritizes community interests above any individual agenda” just they appreciated the governor for his prompt attention to the matter.
