By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, S- South

ASABA—FORMER Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Udaughan, has finally confirmed that he will dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for All Progressives Congress, APC.

Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan

Speaking on phone to Vanguard, the former governor said there was pressure on him to come to APC, but it was not an affair of the National Chairman of APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

“The situation is more from the situation on ground in PDP and my political future. I am also looking at my political future and those of my followers. I have studied the political terrain and I believe that Delta State should not be in opposition,” he said.

Asked if  Oshiomhole had discussed his movement to APC with him, Uduaghan said: Yes, I am talking with Oshiomhole, we are discussing like old colleagues, it is not a pressure, he would wish that I come over, but I also told him that I have a leader, Chief James  Ibori and they should have a discussion with him.”

An APC chieftain, who spoke to Vanguard corroborated Uduaghan’s claim, saying: “Uduaghan and Oshiomhole are ex-governors and friends, so when the matter came up regarding Uduaghan joining APC, he made it clear that he has a political leader, who is Chief Ibori.”

He added “He told Oshiomhole and those, who spoke to him to discuss with Ibori because as far as he was  concerned,  there was no competition between him (Oshiomhole) and Ibori over who is his  political leader. Ibori is his leader and I do not think that Oshiomhole will contest that.

“There are issues and undercurrents regarding Uduaghan and his movement to APC, which will not be dragged to the media just now. We have to watch.”

Vanguard gathered  that the former governor may in the next few days register as an APC member and pick the party’s senatorial ticket for a battle with Senator James Manager for the Delta South senatorial ticket.

He is also expected to work with other APC leaders in the state, including Chief Great Ogboru, who he defeated in the gubernatorial elections to deliver the state to APC in 2019.