Ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party National Convention slated for October 5 and 6 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, has demanded that only the aspirant who gives the vice presidential slot to the South East would win the zone’s vote in the 2019 presidential election on the platform of the party.
The Governor, who prescribed the criteria during Sunday’s PDP gubernatorial primaries held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, however, noted that Ebonyi people in particular and Ndi-Igbo in general have not yet taken a definite stand on whom to cast their votes for among the many aspirants.
Umahi warned Ebonyi delegates in particular never to compromise and mortgage their conscience for any aspirant until a collective decision was taken on who enjoys their support.
Governor Umahi, who emerged winner at the Ebonyi PDP primary election as an unopposed aspirant, polled a total of 1,988 votes out of the 1,990 accredited delegates.
Total number of delegates was put at 2,021, with two invalid votes recorded.
Addressing the mammoth crowd of party chieftains, faithful and other stakeholders after the result was announced by the electoral panel, headed by Senator Joy Emordi, Umahi described the exercise as very transparent.
He expressed gratitude to the delegates in particular and the party in the State generally for the confidence reposed in him by adopting him as their sole candidate and assured that the confidence would not be taken for granted.
He added: “We are going to be more focused to actualize the goals and aspirations of our founding fathers.”
While commending the Electoral Panel for their transparency and strict adherence to the guidelines of the party, Umahi challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies not to allow themselves to be used to disintegrate the country by selfish politicians who do not have the interest of Nigeria at heart.
He emphasized that the opposition parties in Ebonyi State have been rejected by both God and the people as most of their aspirants lack the minimum criteria for leading the State aright.
Umahi said: “Let me warn the INEC and the security agencies that the continued existence of this Country lies in their hands.
“I heard that INEC was raising fears of violence in the forthcoming elections but I wish to urge that there wouldn’t be any if they do the right things.
“You know, when you make decisions devoid of compromise, there would be no violence….
“Concerning our forthcoming Port Harcourt National Convention, let me emphasize that Ebonyi people have not taken a stand.
“So, no delegate should go to compromise.
“Whoever we are supporting, the vice presidential slot must come to the South-East.”
Senator Emordi in her remarks shortly before the commencement of the election praised the peaceful conduct of the delegates in particular and Ebonyi people in general.
She noted that the panel would have simply adopted a Voice Vote Method as Umahi was the sole candidate but decided to follow strictly the party’s approved electoral processes.
Earlier, in his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Onyekachi Nwebonyi, stated that Umahi has made both the party and the State proud, adding that it was not surprising that the takeholders returned him unopposed.
The primary election panel had Engr. Chinwe Mba as Secretary, with James Ugwu, Pope Ekpe and Sunny Odey as members.
All the stakeholders interviewed during the event agreed that Umahi deserved a return ticket come 2019 based on his superlative performance.