Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the party to beat in the state in the coming general elections.

Utuama, who is the Chairman, Contact Committee of the State Campaign Organisation for the 2015 polls, stated this in Asaba while appraising the defection of Sir Fidelis Tilije, the former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the state, to the PDP. Utuama declared that the door of the party is wide open to all.

Tilije, described by party chieftains as a ‘big fish’, formally dumped APC for PDP on Sunday at a well attended ceremony at his country home in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state.

Utuama said: “We are happy to receive Tilije. Our joy is that the efforts of the Contact Committee have been handsomely rewarded with such a big catch. And we are not resting on our oars. Before Sir Tilije, there have been others like Chief Lucky Oteheri and Coach Obire in the Delta Central axis. We will continue to push forward to ensure that all those who are tired of being or remaining in parties that are not viable and are therefore willing and ready to join us do so without let or hindrance. Indeed, our door is opened to all. The PDP has been the ruling party in this state since 1999 and from all indications, it is the only party with sufficient structure on ground to win any election in the state.

“May I also use this opportunity to appeal to all members of the party, who may feel aggrieved in one way or the other as a result of the last primaries, to let us put the past behind us. Join hands and let us all work for the success of the party in the state. You saw the huge crowd yesterday. That is to tell you that PDP is the party to beat in the state.”

•Photo shows Utuama.