From seemingly imminent defeat, the dream of Anioma, the Igbo-speaking part of Delta State, producing the next governor of the state roared back to life yesterday evening with the stunning victory of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in the governorship primaries of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held in Asaba, the state capital.

News Express had earlier yesterday raised the alarm about the danger facing the Anioma quest after PDP chiefs in the wee hours of the day dramatically switched support to Chief David Edevbie, an Urhobo, following vehement opposition to Sir Tony Obuh, who was preferred by incumbent governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The pendulum, however, swung back to Delta North hours before the voting following a strong counter-lobby by Anioma leaders, who had on October 8 visited President Goodluck Jonathan to present Senator Okowa, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and Hon. Victor Ochei as their shortlisted governorship candidates. (See the story, 2015: Anioma leaders present Ndudi Elumelu, 2 others for Delta Governorship •Rally behind President Jonathan published by News Express on 13/10/2014).

Investigations by News Express showed that Okowa, an influential former Secretary to the Delta State Government, is very popular across Delta State and would have been readily accepted if chosen by his former boss, Governor Uduaghan.

Okowa’s popularity was reflected in the result of yesterday’s PDP primary ballot, as he garnered 406 votes to defeat over 15 other aspirants. The results announced by the Returning Officer, Hon. Karim Sunday Steve, a member of the House of Representatives, saw Edevbie coming a distant second with 299 votes, while Hon. Ochie got 185 votes, Hon. Elumelu 50 votes and Mr. Godwill Obielum 22 votes.

Prof. Sylvester Monye won 10 votes, ditto Ngozi Elejeme, while Dr. Festus Okobor and Sir Tony Obuh each received 5 votes.

With Okowa’s victory, Anioma seems set to produce the Delta Governor for the first time after the Urhobo and Itsekiri.

•Photo shows Delta PDP guber candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

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