The battle for the soul of Delta State in 2011 has started in earnest, as political gladiators take the centre stage to campaign in grand style. Political actors and their supporters have churned out posters for the gubernatorial race, which has remained contentious, ever since the last primaries was held in Ogwashi Uku. Even before the whistle for the commencement of campaigning was blown, the state have recorded some politically-motivated activities. In order to beat the gun, different political groups have gone ahead to litter the streets with posters and billboards of their ‘masters’ to gain relevance in the forthcoming election.

So far, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken the vantage position as the leader, when compared to other parties in the state. It has demonstrated its capabilities, at least for now, as the only party in the state which has gubernatorial aspirants. Other parties are yet to parade their aspirants. The reason is not far-fetched.

Before now, there has not been any credible opposition in the state. In the last dispensation, there were aspirants from the Action Congress (AC) now the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) and a host of others. But with time, these parties, except the ACN, have fizzled into oblivion. Probably because of the intra-party crises that rocked the ACN in the state, its feet had wobbled too frequently such that it can no longer carry its trunk, moreso when its financier had dumped the party, just as the founder himself, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, did.

So far, there are about five aspirants in the PDP, exploring the sea for the pearls. They include the incumbent governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan; Rear Admiral John Kpokpogrie (rtd); Professor Saliba Umukoro; a retired major and of the failed Gideon Orka coup fame, Barrister Ovie Omo-Agege, and Chief Ben William Enwose, a retired air force officer.

At a time, it was highly speculated that the Minister for the Development of the Niger Delta, Elder Godsday Orubebe, was in the race, as his posters dotted everywhere in major towns of the state few months ago. Although he has not said whether he is in the race or not, recent developments in his office, as the Chief Coordinator of the Jonathan 2011 in the South-South, is an indication that he might have jettisoned the ambition.

The reason is that for many political pundits, Orubebe, an Ijaw, and the right hand son of elder statesman and leader of the South-South, Chief Edwin K. Clark, it would amount to naivety should Clark endorse him to run, in view of his dogged fight against the incumbent governor. If he is allowed to run, it could be that Chief Clark may be fighting a tribal battle, for an Ijo man to take over from Uduaghan.

The usual sermon of transformation of Delta State to a state of eldorado, provision of jobs, empowerment, increased productivity in agriculture, and other promises are coming from people of the same family (PDP), yet apart in their ideologies.

The major opposition the PDP has is the party itself, as the contestants belong to two major camps; one is led by the incumbent governor and the other by Chief Clark.

Suffice it to say, at this juncture, that in 2008, the state congress of the PDP elected Barrister Peter Nwaoboshi as the chairman. His candidacy was sponsored then by the E.K.Clark/Chief Mariam Ali Coalition, and it was widely celebrated by the group.

But recent developments seemed to have faulted the elder statesman who has been championing the desolution of the state congress because Uduaghan allegedly imposed Nwaoboshi on the party. That issue has remained a burning one, painting a clear picture of two camps trying to outsmart each other in order to get the baton for the final leg of the race.

Nevertheless, the assessment of the candidates in the race shows that there are weaklings and titans.

Emmanuel Uduaghan

In 2007, elders statesman, Chief Edwin K. Clark, blessed the governor in his country home at Kiagbodo, when former Governor James Ibori took him (Uduaghan) there.

Indeed, it was widely reported that the respected politician called Uduaghan  “my son”, but quickly faulted the way Ibori shored him up to become governor. From all indications, the spirit flowing from that prayer appears to hold its grip in the life of Uduaghan as all his major rivals, especially those who contested the 2007 election with him have made peace with him. Amongst them is Chief Godwill Obielum, a very formidable force and pillar in the party. What it means, therefore, is that despite all odds coming from the Clark side, Governor Uduaghan has mustered enough support. This, he was able to do by first embarking on reconciliation mission, using committees, personal visits and contact men.

In fact, he was able to visit his enemies’ camps, talked it over, stimulated forgiveness, and today forges ahead. There are uncountable numbers of groups that are campaigning for him for the 2011 election. Therefore, the coast is clear for him, as his intimidating campaign headquarters along the Onitsha–Benin Expressway, Asaba, depicts.

To many, Uduaghan has done well as governor, especially in trying to conquer poverty in the state through the micro credit programme. He is the first governor of the state to commence an eight-lane carriage, along Asaba-Ibusa-Ogwashi-Ughelli Road, the construction of an international airport in Asaba, which will be inaugurated soon, the street light projects and mass transit programme adjudged so far as the best in the country.

Apart from approving 50 per cent of women participation in politics, the governor has also enhanced workers welfare package and brought sound economic policy to bear. To others, there is the need to make Deltans happier by empowering the people the more and create more jobs.
Ovie Omo-Agege

He was one of the closest persons to former Governor Chief James Ibori as the Special Assistant on Project Monitoring. It was said that every contract executed in Delta State then passed through his table for scrutiny. He was a gubernatorial aspirant in 2007. He later became the Secretary to State Government (SSG) for few months and worked assiduously for the victory of Governor Uduaghan in 2007.

The aspirant from Delta Central (Urhobo axis) is a dogged fighter and an accomplished politician and now rooted in the camp of Edwin Clark. His campaign train has moved through the three senatorial districts, preaching change in the state.

Analysts are of the opinion that the aspirant is highly favoured in the Clark camp. He is a good critic of the Uduaghan-led administration

John Kpokpogri

A retired naval officer from Isoko Area in Delta South Senatorial District, he has embarked on his consultation for a very long time.

He is a strong force from the Elder Stakeholders Forum led by Chief Clark. A mobiliser to the core, Kpokpori took the state by surprise and covered so much ground in few months. He is confident that it is the turn of Isoko from the same South-South zone  to produce the next governor and has decided to employ the wise men from the east for counsel. But his campaign train is not moving as fast as it should be.

Professor Umukoro

He is a United States-based lecturer in Sociology. Not much was heard about him shortly after the failed Orka coup. He is also from Isoko axis of the state. His mission statement is to change the standard of living in the state, if given the mandate. But his train conveying the campaign team is rather too slow.
William Enwose

For Enwose, many people of the state are yet to understand the direction he is coming from. Although he has consulted with political godfathers of the state, especially from Delta North (because he is so far the only one from the zone), the majority of Deltans are yet to grasp with the reality of his mission statement.

By and large, the question is, who gets the ticket in the PDP primary election in the state? The battle appears between Chief Clark and Governor Uduaghan. For now, Clark has not endorsed any of the candidates. Therefore, can any other aspirant beat the incumbent governor who has taken extra precaution to smoothen all rough edges and expanded his frontiers towards clinching a second term in office?