Edevbie: I Went to Court to Save PDP in Delta

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The governorship hopeful of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. David Edevbie yesterday said his decision to challenge the outcome of the party’s gubernatorial primary election was based on his desire to save the party from being overrun by any opposition party in the state in the light of the gloom the outcome had cast.

He asserted that the opposition would have taken advantage of the situation had he not gone to court to correct the glaring anomaly while appealing to those who left the PDP to return.

He said that he was initially reluctant to seek legal redress in which he got Thursday’s victory at the Federal High Court in Abuja, saying he was dedicating the victory to the entire people of the state and to democracy.

In apparent reference to the legal battle issuing from the party primary in May, the former finance commissioner said that at no time since joining the governorship race did he tell himself the road would be easy, saying he was however positive and confidence about ultimate victory.

Edevbie revealed that though he was reluctant to challenge the outcome of the party primary in court, he knew he had to do it in order to clear the shadow of gloom which his supposed loss to Sheriff Oborevwori had cast over the whole state.

While thanking Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and party leaders as well as other PDP members and campaign organisation, he said that he could not wisely claim the high court victory for himself alone.

“Let me be clear, this should not be seen as a personal victory but as a victory for our great party, PDP, which is firmly rooted in justice. It is also a victory for democracy and therefore, it is now time to put our differences aside and work together as a family to ensure our success at the next general election”, Edevbie said. 

He appealed especially to PDP members to put behind them the friction created by the travesty of the outcome of the gubernatorial primary election and to rally round his candidature towards an unbroken chain of PDP victories in the 2023 general election.

In a statement he personally signed and made available  to THISDAY yesterday, Edevbie said: “You may recall that at the beginning of my consultations, I said that the journey to transform Delta into a modernised state would be challenging. From the very start, I also envisaged that there would be setbacks and false starts, but regardless, I proceeded with my usual verve. 

“To lead the transformation of a state as vast and diverse as Delta to its destiny, in terms of growth and development, requires a strong sense of purpose, faith, and the courage to keep leading even in moments of seeming disappointment. 

“Clearly, it is not a task for the faint-hearted or pusillanimous. Fortunately, the required qualities and abilities are what I was primed for from the outset of my working career, both in the private and public sectors in Nigeria and abroad and the allure of a new lease of life, growth and happiness in Delta State provided the impetus.

“Delta State has always been a PDP State and by the grace of God, it will remain so after the next elections. We must work together on the shared vision and goal of modernisation even as we embrace all those who either contested with us or supported other contestants. This is their victory too. 

“Now that order has been restored, our PDP family is stronger and ready to defeat all opposition parties in Delta State in 2023. 

“Consequently, I implore all our brothers and sisters, who became disillusioned and left PDP recently, to return to the fold. This is not the hill to die on.”

In the Thursday’s court ruling, the presiding Judge, Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo, declared that Sheriff Oborevwori is not qualified to contest for the office of Governor of Delta State, adding that the applicant/plaintiff, Edevbie should be given due respect as the PDP Delta State governorship candidate.

“In accordance with the provision of S 84(3) of Electoral Act, the court held that the plaintiff (David Edevbie) is the valid Governorship Candidate of the PDP in Delta State and should be accorded the maximum respect”, Justice Taiwo ruled.

Oborevwori, the defendant who is also Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, has since indicated his readiness to appeal the verdict of the high court.