Record Turnout, Historic Defections As PDP Candidate, Dagidi, Receives Flag In Bomadi

By Sunday Apah

There was a significant turnout of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and an unprecedented wave of defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP in Bomadi Local Government Area, as Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi, the PDP candidate for the upcoming July 13 Local Government Council elections, along with his running mate, Mrs. Powei Bekes, received the party’s flag.

The flag presentation ceremony, which was attended by the immediate past Senator who represented Delta South in the red chamber, Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo and all political gladiators in Bomadi Local Government Area, was adjudged the campaign event with the highest number of attendees in the history of the Local Government Area.

The event also marked the defection of Mr. Ebi Barber, the APC Candidate for the July 13 council election in the state, to the PDP along with his followers.

Upon welcoming Mr. Barber and his supporters to the PDP, the state chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso Esq., commended the decision and remarked that Bomadi was a PDP stronghold. He expressed that the occasion was a mere celebration of an impending victory.

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“To the APC flagbearer and his supporters, you are very fortunate because you have chosen to leave darkness behind and embrace the light. From this moment onward, you have officially become members of this great party.

Esiso expressed his gratitude to the campaign council for their tireless efforts in rallying support and making the day vibrant and colorful.

He criticized the APC-led administration for inflicting hardship on Nigerians. Esiso firmly rejected the APC in Delta and their proponents of darkness, urging the electorate to vote for the PDP to uphold good governance, as exemplified by the MORE AGENDA programs of Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the state.

While presenting the party’s flag to Hon. Dagidi, Esiso reassured the people of Bomadi of the PDP’s unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the council area.

“We are gathered here to celebrate the PDP because we recognize that Bomadi is PDP and PDP is Bomadi. This occasion is simply a joyful celebration.”

In his defection speech, Mr. Ebi Barber expressed his frustration with the poor leadership of the APC at the Federal level.

He mentioned that upon learning that the PDP had elected Hon. Andaye Rawlings Dagidi as its candidate, he decided not to expend his time and resources. Being a well-known grassroots figure in Bomadi Local Government Area, he felt confident in his decision.

In his speech during the ceremony, former senator and gubernatorial aspirant of the 2023 general elections, Sen. James Manager, emphasized the unity of the PDP as a large family.

Sen. James Manager remarked, “PDP is a close-knit family, and today we celebrate the success of Andaye Dagidi, his vice, and the ward councillors.

For those who were not selected this time, patience is key as opportunities rotate. Let us avoid any form of unrest and come together to honor the PDP.”

The deputy speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Ethiope-East Constituency, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo Esq., expressed confidence that July 13 will be a decisive victory for the PDP in Bomadi local government area.

He stated, “There will be no election in Bomadi local government area on July 13 as it is expected to be a clear victory for the PDP. Our party’s candidate is deeply rooted in the community, a dependable and dedicated party member who understands the challenges facing his constituents.

“The people of Bomadi should rally behind him to empower him to bring the benefits of democracy to every corner of the council area. We, the people of Delta Central, will continue to offer him unwavering support because of his steadfast commitment to the party.”

In response, Hon. Dagidi expressed unwavering passion and determination to serve his constituents at the grassroots level, ensuring improved service delivery.

“I empathize with the challenges faced by my fellow citizens at the grassroots level. I have personally taken temporary measures to address the poor conditions of the Bomadi-Ohoror road, aiming to alleviate their immediate suffering.

“With the guidance of the people I am elected to serve, my primary focus will be on understanding their needs and desires. I am committed to collaborative leadership and will prioritize fulfilling the fundamental requirements of my constituents.

“My administration will be in alignment with the M.O.R.E. Agenda established by our esteemed leader and Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. This agenda aims to bring democratic benefits to all communities within the council area, ensuring inclusivity in governance.

“The tangible progress under the M.O.R.E. Agenda, including the re-engagement of construction giant Julius Berger Nig. Ltd. in the state, signifies our commitment to meaningful development initiatives.

“I want to reassure my constituents that the necessary steps are being taken by Governor Oborevwori to provide a lasting solution for the Bomadi-Ohoror road. Governance is an ongoing process, and in the near future, significant improvements will be made to this vital infrastructure.”