Delta Local Government Council Elections: How Not To Play Dirty Opposition

By Sylvester Imonina

Two days ago, at a relaxation spot in Warri, I heard three young men whom I presumed are members of the opposition Party in Delta State, discussing the forthcoming Local Government Council elections. One of them said that he “had been deceived by his political leaders to contest for a councilorship position on Saturday; as all financial and moral supports promised him by the said leaders appeared to be mirage”.

From what I could deduced from their discussions, the so called opposition leaders do not care about building their Party. Majority of them were/are more interested in the contestants’ hard-earned monies, than building a vibrant opposition!

Recently, I was shocked to read on print and social media that Labour Party ‘sleeping leadership’ in Delta State, was planning to mobilize innocent and gullible youth to protest the Local Government Council elections that is yet to take place! The flimsy excuse for the protest is what many discerning minds are yet to understand!

Well, while I concede to the fact that every political party has right to express her misgivings or commend an electoral process, it is uncharitable for an individual or group of people with lacklustre ideas on how to run a party to throw unnecessary jab on an electoral umpire. More so, when the said opposition Party has not shown any tangible commitments towards winning an election.

My recent journeys to several places in the State has revealed that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is synonymous with numera uno in terms of preparations towards the forthcoming Local Government Council elections. I see a Political Party taking her campaigns to every Ward and nooks and crannies in the State. Meanwhile, from my observation, there is no visible sign of campaigns by the opposition. Hardly do you see campaign billboards and posters of opposition Candidates, unlike PDP Candidates whose billboards and posters are visibly seen in all places visited.

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It is worthy of note that the purpose of forming a political party is for members of same political ideology to win an election. Winning an elections involves rigorous campaigns, sensitization of the populace about your party/ her programmes, spending your time and monies to mobilize party and non-party members to vote for your party. Can these be said of the opposition in the State? The answer is an emphatic no!

To drive home my point, anyone who calls himself an opposition leader must be ready to spend his time and monies for his party, not indulging in falsehoods and false hopes from the comfort of his home. Not too long ago, as a leader of an opposition Party in the State, I bought the Dsiec form(s) for my Ward Councilorship Candidate and paid for his campaigns’ posters. Also, I had the privilege of supporting seven (7) Wards Councilorship Candidates in my Local Government Area with my hard-earned monies. Today, when I look back, I have no regret because that was the course I believed in then, based on the available information at my disposal.

As for the present opposition, take it to the bank that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Orohwedor Oborevwori is a Governor for all Deltans, and he wants democratic processes to thrive in the State. That is, Govr. Oborevwori whom I know wants all Deltans to express their political views and interest freely.

To the opposition Candidates, i say with all sense of responsibility that if you sell your manifestoes to Deltans very well, you will not regret your participation in the forthcoming Council elections. Come out of your state of political defeatism with your followers and make good use of the remaining days, left for political campaigns. Elections are won based on your ability to convince the greater number of voters, not idle talks and threats.

As for Deltans/the electorates, come out and vote for your choice Candidates on Saturday, 13th of July, 2024; though, I am a fervent believer of PDP political programmes. Myself, my household and political family will vote for PDP.

Sylvester Imonina, Esq.,
Writes from Oruamudhu Community,
Ozoro Kingdom, Delta State.