*OBIARUKU/Nigeria* :
Amidst the political horse trading in Ukwuani LGA, ahead of the forthcoming Delta State Local Government elections, the Equity Forum, a coalition spanning the two major political blocks in the LGA, has elected Barr. Richard Okolocha as it’s preferred chairmanship candidate to contest the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primary election.
The Mock Primary election to determine the potential Chairmanship candidate was conducted after a rigorous selection process, which saw the legal luminary, Barrister Richard Okolocha emerging victorious with 11 votes and securing his candidacy for the group’s Chairmanship position.
Indeed, as the 2024 Local Government Area Elections loom in Delta State, political maneuvering have reached new heights with strategic maneuvers and power plays dominating the landscape and the battleground is primarily between the two main political blocks: the Akashiede Block and the Egbeoma Block, each vying for supremacy in the council area.
Competing against formidable opponents, including Mr. Chidi Oji with 7 votes, Mr. Basil Ishiekwene, 1 vote and Mr. Reuben Chinsunum 1 vote, Barrister Okolocha scored 11 votes to clinch the top position after the transparent and well supervised poll.
The election was conducted after the withdrawal of some aspirants which included Mr. Eze Edike, Mr. Humphrey Uzuakpundu, and Mr. Festus Okudibie.
The selection of Barr. Okolocha by the Equity Forum which represents the Egbeoma Political Block, is in anticipation of the heated contest not only within the local government but also among the political parties, especially at a time when the stage is already set for a robust contestation in Ukwuani Local Government Area.
In an official statement signed by the Chairman of the Equity Forum, Chief Eric Obodouku Anigala, and the Secretary, Pastor Osemeke Chukwuemeke, the group expressed gratitude to party leaders, delegates and supporters for their unwavering commitment.
The call to action by the Equity Forum was clear: Rally behind Barrister Richard Okolocha and ensure victory for the Egbeoma Political Block, in the forthcoming party primary scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024.
Meanwhile, Barrister Richard Okolocha has extended his appreciation to party delegates and leaders for their faith in his candidacy, even as he pledging not to betray their trust and emphasized the importance of unity within the Egbeoma political bloc.
In a gesture of inclusivity, Okolocha called on fellow aspirants to set aside differences and work towards a common goal, stressing the paramount importance of serving the interests and well-being of the Ukwuani populace.
Dr. Barrister Richard Okolocha’s emergence as the Chairmanship candidate, signals a new chapter in Ukwuani’s political landscape and promises an election that will be fiercely contested, with high stakes for both contenders and constituents alike.
