The ancient town of Ogbe-Ijoh was literally shut down for hours on Tuesday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign train berthed in Warri South West Local Government Area, in a carnival-like rally described as one of the biggest political gatherings in the history of the council area.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, who is the present representative of the area and the party’s candidate for Warri South West 1 Constituency in the next election, said the mammoth crowd that welcomed the campaign train was a clear statement that Warri South West is APC, and APC is Warri South West.
Political heavyweights from across Delta State, leaders, women, youths and several political pressure groups stormed the arena, turning Ogbe-Ijoh town and its surrounding environment into a colourful festival of music, dance and solidarity.
Addressing the crowd, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reassured the people of his administration’s continued commitment to peace, development and inclusive governance, and urged them to remain united and to vote massively for all APC candidates in the upcoming elections.
The high point of the event was the presentation of party flags to candidates of the party, including Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi for House of Representatives, and Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and Andrew Igban for Warri South West 1 and Warri South West 2 Constituencies respectively, a symbolic endorsement of their candidacies and a charge to go and win convincingly.
Reacting to the development, Guwor, whose track record of legislative performance and exalted position as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria were major highlights during the event, said the turnout has sent a strong message across Delta State and Nigeria that the people are fully aligned with the APC and the leadership of Governor Oborevwori.
“As Speaker, as your representative, and as a candidate, I am overwhelmed by this love. What we witnessed today was not just a rally, it was a movement. Our people came out massively, with joy, with unity, and with one voice,” Guwor said.
In a statement made available to newsmen by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Rt. Hon. Guwor thanked the Governor, the Deputy Governor, party leaders, political pressure groups, women and youths for the massive show of support, assuring that he will not take the confidence reposed in him for granted.
The Speaker said the successful outing has further energised the party in the constituency and positioned it for total victory in the forthcoming general elections.
“Warri South West has spoken. We are ready. We are united. And by the grace of God, victory is certain,” Guwor declared.
The statement added that as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Guwor leads all 36 Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, a position that places him at the centre of national legislative discourse and gives Warri South West a direct voice in national politics.
