From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The apex socio-cultural body of Urhobo nation, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), has endorsed the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar as the choice of Urhobo people for this Saturday’s election.
The body also endorsed the Delta State governorship candidate of the party, Sheriff Oborevwori and all PDP candidates for the general elections.
This is even as all the Presidents-General of Urhobo kingdoms and communities threw their weight behind the Atiku-Okowa presidential ticket, Sheriff-Onyeme governorship ticket and all PDP candidates.
Speaking at UPU national secretariat at Uvwiamughe, Agbarho, President General of the socio-cultural organisation, Barr. Ese Gam declared that all will be done by the UPU to deliver Atiku-Okowa, Sheriff-Onyeme and other PDP candidates.
The governorship candidate, Oborevwori had gone to the UPU secretariat to solicit the support and prayers of Urhobo nation.
Gam described Oborevwori as a grassroots politician, and commended him for his respect for UPU, just as he thanked Okowa for ensuring that Oborevwori emerged as PDP candidate.
“We cannot thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa enough for the good works he has done for the Urhobo nation, especially for ensuring the emergence of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly as the PDP governorship candidate for the general elections.
“Our incoming governor is a grassroot person. We must speak out and take decision that is going to affect our people positively.
“We like the humility of the state PDP gubernatorial candidate and his readiness to work for the Urhobo nation and Delta State in general.
“We cannot forget how he helped the UPU greatly in 2019 in our time of need. We will support all PDP candidates. This is our land. Remember us when you become the governor of Delta State. You are a down to earth person.
“We must always learn to love one another. As from today, we will be addressing you as His Excellency.
“You have been good to Urhobo nation and because of what Governor Okowa has been doing for us in Urhobo nation, we are going to deliver him and Atiku. We are also going to deliver you, Sir Monday Onyeme and other PDP candidates,” he added.
Also speaking, President General of Udu Kingdom and chairman, Forum of Presidents-General of Urhobo Kingdoms assured the gubernatorial candidate of their readiness to support his ambition and deliver all PDP candidates.
Women leader of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms, Mrs. Rose Oghene, spoke in similar vein.
Oborevwori had informed the Urhobo nation leaders that he had come to solicit for their support and prayers for his Governorship aspiration.
“I want to plead with you to vote for Atiku-Okowa to reset and rebuild our nation because our country has been destroyed by APC.
“Vote for me, your son and my running mate, Sir Monday Onyeme and all candidates of PDP.
“Okowa has done so much for the Urhobo nation especially for picking me, your own son, to take over from him on May 29, 2023 and this is the time to show him our appreciation as a people,” he said.