Political Re-Alignment: Delta PDP, APC Reacts To Uduaghan’s Defection

Following the return of the immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan from the All Progressives Congress (APC) back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the two political parties have put forth statements in reaction to the political realignment.

Dr Uduaghan who served as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government under the administration of former Governor James Ibori and a two term Governor all under the platform of the PDP, defected to the APC in 2018 to seek a senatorial seat for Delta South but lost to the PDP Candidate and incumbent Senator, James Manager.

In their separate reactions, the Delta State PDP applauded the decision of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to return to the PDP, describing the move as timely and a sort of homecoming, while the State APC noted that the party will not miss him in any way.

PDP in its Press Statement titled, “WELCOME HOME”, DELTA PDP HAILS UDUAGHAN’S RETURN, SAYS THE UMBRELLA BIG ENOUGH FOR EVERYONE, signed by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the Publicity Secretary of the Party, said;

“We are excited that our former Governor is back home. Politics is about the people; recent political developments in Nigeria have also shown that power and relevance comes from the people. The Uduaghan we know is not unmindful of this fact, this is in addition to the fast-changing political atmosphere in the Country.

“As a political Party, we fully appreciate the fact that his return journey back home may also not be unconnected with the desire to be reunited with his friends, political soulmates and supporters.

“However, it is gratifying to note that our great party is again making deep and appreciable inroads into the political space. Our inclusive politics, consensus building disposition, egalitarianism, good governance records, patriotism and all the qualities that distinguish us from others, are already speaking for us. Therefore, we are very happy to welcome our former Governor and all the returning Party members back into our fold.

“We also welcome new members and we promise to be fair to all as we prepare to rebuild our battered Country”.

While the statement by Delta APC, also signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Sylvester Imonina, Esq. and obtained by this medium, stated, “In the past two weeks, there have been rumours of perfection of plans by the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to defect to PDP. Today, the 28th of September, 2020, those behind the rumours have been justified by the formal defection by him to PDP.

“Well, for records purpose, the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan came into APC as a loner (Nicodemusly) and have left to where (PDP) he came from same way. In politics and in line with freedom of association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, he has the right to chose whosoever to associate with for whatever reasons.

“However, he should not forget the fact that when PDP was uninhabitable for him, he was housed by Delta APC despite the fact that he did not come to APC with anybody under the guise of being a self acclaimed “John The Baptist” which eventually proved to be a deceitful mission.

“Delta APC will not miss him in any way because APC accommodated him out of compassion as an orphaned politician displaced by the same PDP he has returned to. We wish him well.”

Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan at his return today, September 28, 2020 to the PDP at Unit 1, Ward 6 in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of the State where he picked up his party card, said “I AM BACK HOME”, adding, “I left my party card at Abigborodo and I have come back to pick it up”.

The former governor in a statement posted on his official Facebook Page and signed by his Media Assistant, Monoyo Edon, said, “I am back to join forces with other great party men and women to strengthen the PDP. We are the largest party in Africa.

“I went to taste the other side. Politics is all about challenges. We do not pray against the challenges. Rather we pray for God to give us strength to overcome them.

“It gladdened my heart when my ward chairman said that I and my supporters have returned to fill the void we left. I feel good. This is home. PDP is home.”

“Let me thank our leader Chief James Ibori, my brother and Governor of Delta State Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and our great party for making this day possible. Our party is indeed making good strides in our dear state.

“We have the manpower and experience to take over Nigeria in the coming election and reposition our country for greater development.

“We shall get what belongs to us. We will be at the highest level pushing and putting our case on the table so that we can take all that are due us.

“I urge us to cooperate with our Governor and leadership of our great party so that the dividends of democracy can get to everyone peacefully”.