The lawmaker representing Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas on Saturday hosted former members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the locality that defected to All Progressives Congress during which he affirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the sole Governorship candidate of APC in Delta State, come 2027.

In attendance at the Constituency meeting held in Senator Joel-Onowakpo’s country home were the leadership of the All Progressives Congress from the eleven wards of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The meeting passed a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas “for providing purposeful and visionary leadership.”

Aside Senator Joel-Onowakpo, other key leaders at the meeting included APC Isoko nation leader, Chief Lucky Esigie; Chief of Staff to Delta State Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo; former Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Odio Askia Ogeh; APC Chairman, Isoko South, Comr. Egbogbo Vincent; Member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Onwo Ferguson,a member representing Isoko South Constituency I, Hon. Bino Obowomano, and Delta State Commissioner for Land, Survey and Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, among others.

The meeting emphasized the need for unity of purpose to ensure the party’s success in the 2027 elections.

In his remarks, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, stressed that there is no distinction between old and new members in the party, noting that “everyone is APC”.

He stated unequivocally that “the leader of the APC in Delta State is the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori” noting that ‘the alignment follows directives from the Presidency and the national leadership of the party.’

While explaining that Governor Oborevwori is the APC’s candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas emphasized that “the Delta State Governorship is not vacant”.

He said, “We have an administration that is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy, and we must give them the needed support to complete their mandate”.

The lawmaker advised against any actions that might cause division within party ranks, just as he charged all party organs within the local government, especially ward chairmen, to ensure a seamless registration process for new members, warning against any practices that might undermine party unity.

The highlight of the meeting was the formal motion for a vote of confidence, moved by the member representing Isoko South Constituency II, Hon. Ferguson Onwo and seconded by Dr Sylvester Onoyona, APC Candidate for House of Representatives, Isoko North and South Constituency in the 2023 general elections in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

The motion was greeted with a thunderous voice vote signaling overwhelming support ofthe trios whom they described as leaders who have distinguished themselves at their various levels of assignment.

Party leaders present at the meeting comprised Hon. Lucky Okperi, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Hon. Austine Igbine, Hon. Benjamin Ogbalor, High Chief Lawrence Eduje, Hon. Benjamin Efekodo, Hon. Mike Okah, Queen Betty Efekodha, Barr Powell Ojogho, Mrs. Mary Erijo, High Chief Edhekpo Uyoyou, Supol Omo-Onyeke, Barr. Duncan Afahokor, Chief Louis Onofighe, Chief Evans Egbo, Chief Victor Egbo, Mrs. Hopelyn Akpotu-Ayu, Comrade Ewariezi Hyacinth, Hon. Joe Arausi, Hon. Eniforo Malam-Obi, Dr. Sylvester Onoyona, Mrs. Pally Eghove, Hon. Philo Apena and Chief Igelige.

They also included Hon. Emakpor Odogu, Mr. Aduze Clement, Hon. Kola Obrogo, Chief Irogbo Afor, Odio Lucky Enigheno, Mrs. Alu Gladys, Mr. Oberebe Vincentino, High Chief Prosper Edo, Prince Oghenekaro Benson, Chief Onoriode Amagada, Comr. Michael Paul Emumena, Comr. Isike David, Mr. Napoleon Eru, Sir Steve Itimi, Hon Lucky Arumari, Barr Uwubiti Rosy, Hon Fred Edoreh, Chief Barr Mike Edegware, Rev Dr Adolor, Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri Rtd, Mr Victor Ekelega, Odio Obaro Godspower, Barr Vincent Omorie, Chief Alade Odiri and others.