Mr Oke Idawene is chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State. In this interview, he explains why his party is yet to adopt a governorship candidate in Delta State but he, however, expresses optimism that the SDP will win seats in the State House of Assembly. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

MIXED reactions greeted the six weeks postponement of the general elections, what is your position? 

The postponement is the right step towards the right direction. You don’t do sensitive things like general elections in a country like Nigeria, in a hurry.

I commend the NSAand INEC for the postponement. I appeal to the security forces and INEC to meet up with the six weeks for us to have a resounding general election.

The opposition is accusing the PDP of plans to use the six weeks to perfect rigging, how do you see this?

That is a big lie. When you say the opposition, I strongly put it that it is the APC. They believe in propaganda and falsehood.

That assumption is not true. We should go back to our parties and work to win election, not to raise unnecessary issues.

Do you think. INEC is ready for the elections?

Before now I didn’t think the commission was ready, but for the postponement INEC will perfect all aspect and give us a good general election.

Though your party is not fielding a governorship candidate, but do you think it can win seats in the National Assembly and State House of Assembly?

Yes, our party will win House of Assembly in Ika South, Uvwie, Warri South Ughelli North, Udu, Ndowkwa West, in the House of Assembly, then for Reps, Isoko, Okpe, Uvwie and Sepele then for Senate, Delta South. Mark my words, we may win even more, but these are sure bets.

What does the SDP stand to bring to Delta State considering the fact that it is a new party?

The SDP will bring the long awaited transformation and progress for the common man in Delta State.

Is it true that there is crisis in SDP Delta State?

No. We are intact, fully ready for the election.

We have not adopted any candidate for governorship nor any other position.

In due time, we shall let Deltans know where we stand for the governorship after consultation and permission from SDP national headquarters.