Winners and losers have emerged in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) primary elections held in Delta State.
One of the winners is Mr Thomas Ereyitomi, who won the party’s ticket for the Warri Federal Constituency, and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s ally, Bashorun Askia Ogieh is one of the losers.
Ereyitomi, the incumbent Representative for the constituency at the National Assembly, on Sunday polled 96 votes to defeat his rival, Mr Smart Asekutu who scored six votes.
Asekutu is the incumbent Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that 102 accredited delegates voted during the primary election at the Warri City stadium amid tight security.
The delegates were drawn from Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North Local Government Areas that made up the Warri Federal Constituency.
The Returning Officer for the election was Mr Charles Aniagwu, Commissioner for Information in Delta.
Responding to the victory, Ereyitomi said that the votes were a result of his hard work, dedication and an indication that the people of Warri Federal Constituency appreciate what he had been doing.
“I am very elated. The victory is for the people of this federal constituency. The overwhelming votes were an indication that as a lawmaker, I performed to expectations.
“We are just two in this contest. I will want my opponent to show the spirit of sportsmanship. We live together and build Warri Federal Constituency to the benefit of all,” he said.
Ereyitomi said that the peaceful conduct of the election demonstrated the transparency PDP had been known for, adding that the party would continue to maintain it.
Also, Mr Mathew Opuoru won the Warri South Constituency 2 PDP primary election in the Delta House of Assembly.
The incumbent lawmaker polled a total of 10 votes to defeat his closest rival, Dr Michael Tidi, who scored a total of six votes and Emoubo Bazunu, who scored four votes.
Addressing newsmen, Opuoru said that he was happy to have won the contest, attributing the victory to God.
“I am happy to win the primary election despite all obstacles. I thank God for the victory.
“I also thank the Delta governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP supporters,” he said.
Opuoru said that as a lawmaker, he would continue to represent and project the interest of the people at the House of Assembly.
Ukodhiko floors Okowa’s ally, Ogieh in Isoko
Meanwhile, the immediate past Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Pastor Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko has won the PDP primary election for House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency, flooring Okowa’s ally, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, who is a former Managing Director of DESOPADEC in the process.
Declaring the result at the election held at the Oleh Township Stadium Oleh on Sunday, Returning Officer, Mr Noel Omodon said Ukodhiko polled 33 votes to defeat his closest challenger, the former Managing Director of DESOPADEC, who scored 21 votes.
According to the result, Hon. Orezi Esievo scored 11 votes to place third while Dickson Ebegbare got 5 votes, Itiako Ikpokpo 3 votes and Johnson Erijo 2 votes respectively.
Omodon said: “With the powers conferred on me as returning officer for this election, i hereby declare Jonathan Ukodhiko winner having polled the highest votes in this election”.
Responding, Ukodhiko thanked God and the delegates for his choice adding that Isoko people made the right choice.
He commended his co-aspirants for their spirit of sportsmanship saying the election was peaceful, free, fair and acceptable to all aspirants.
He urged party stakeholders to close ranks and remain united for the task of winning the general election.