By Clinton Awhawha
All Progressives Congress APC’ founding member in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, Hon. ( Dr.) Benjamin Essien Okiemute, has said the defection of former Delta State Secretary of All Progressives Congress APC, Nick Ovuakporie from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party is inconsequential on APC in Isoko Nation as that can not deter the victory of the party at the polls come February this year.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday in Warri by Dr. Okiemute, a former member, Delta State House of Assembly said, Nick Ovuakporie was among major beneficiaries of APC led government since its inception contrary to his reasons for leaving the APC to join new found Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said:” This is same Nick Ovuakporie who does not know his voting unit in his Oyede Community. Anyway, he left APC by himself alone and that is why his defection from the party has no single effect on APC even in his Oyede Community and the entire Isoko South and North Local government Areas”
Dr. Okiemute who is also the Deputy Director General, Joel- Onowakpo Thomas, Delta South Senatorial District Campaign Organization, 2023, said: ” I am a foundation member of APC and I worked for the victory of APC in Isoko South and North in 2015. And from that time till now, I have not gotten anything from the APC’ government, but I have remained in the party and still working towards the victory of all APC candidates in Isoko nation, because of my loyalty to party.”
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According to him, the reasons given by Nike Ovuakporie for defection to PDP are not tenable adding such reasons are not enough for him to have left the party. He added that he has the freedom to associate with his new found party (PDP) . He however said his defection has no effect on Isoko Nation.
He said: “The APC remains intact, very strong, formidable in Isoko Nation, and we would ensure victory for all APC candidates in Isoko South and North come February, 25th and March 11th elections in the state.”
Dr. Okiemute, the Deputy Director General, Mobilization and Contact for Ovie Omo- Agege Governorship Campaign Organization, 2023, expressed hope that Isoko people and Deltans would vote for the APC candidates for Presidency, National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly at the forthcoming elections.He urged the Isoko people in particular and Deltans in general of voting age to come out en-masse on February 25th and March 11th and vote for APC and ensure to monitor their votes to prevent any manipulation by the opposition parties.