..…clarifies ministerial denial
Former National Women Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Miss Stella Okotete has asserted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State might not be featuring a legitimate candidate in the 2027 general elections.
She dismissed claims that the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborewori and the PDP would be difficult to dislodged by the APC in the wake of his performance so far in terms of infrastructural development in the state, maintaining that Delta’s deserve more than what has been done.
According to Okotete who spoke on Sunday a TV program, with the current crisis rocking the PDP at both the National and Zonal levels, it would be difficult for it to have a governorship candidate in the state in the coming election.
On Oborewori she said, “which faction of the PDP does he belong to? Because I’m not sure. You know, there was a recent zonal convention in Calabar, and he wasn’t there. So, I’m sure we will be able to know. Maybe when the time comes, we’ll know which faction of the PDP he belongs to, and perhaps that will spice the beauty of politics in 2027, which you will find out that the APC might be the only party that have a candidate.
“I’m not making projections, just analyzing the situation based on what it is right now. The PDP has factions, like you’ve read in the papers as a journalist, I’ve read in the papers, they have factions. So, I don’t know which one he belongs to.
“Now, about his achievements and track record in the state, Deltans deserve more. Deltans deserve more. And I’m sure, come 2027, Deltans will decide. We receive a whole lot from the federal government in allocations. We receive a lot. And yes, I know he’s doing flyovers and infrastructure projects, but is the level of development we see now commensurate with the resources received? That’s why I say Deltans deserve more.
“He is my brother, we served together in previous administrations but Delta deserves more. And I’m sure, when the time comes in 2027, Deltans will decide. I have just one vote, but as you know, I am APC. And when the APC unites as a strong force, we will certainly give a good fight.”
Meanwhile Okotete has addressed concerns regarding her ministerial nomination and subsequent non-confirmation by the Senate, emphasizing that she harbors no grudges and remains committed to serving Nigeria.
Okotete, who was nominated as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet but was not confirmed by the Senate, clarified that she did not fail any screening process.
“I want to correct you, I didn’t fail any of the processes. I went to the Senate, laid my résumé before them, and I wasn’t confirmed. That was the only issue,” she stated.
She further revealed that at the time of her nomination, she was still serving as Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), a position that was renewed for a second term by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.
She said, “When I wasn’t confirmed, I simply saw it as the will of God and returned to my role. In fact, after that time, many of my clients, the bank’s customers, expressed that they really didn’t want me to leave. Perhaps God was answering their prayers, keeping me there to complete the work I had started.
“I’m not a politician who chases titles. There’s a big difference between those seeking titles and those called to work and serve. I started politics at the age of 21 and have been in government ever since. When I wasn’t confirmed, I went back to my job and continued serving Nigeria to the best of my ability, because for me, it’s all about service.”
Addressing concerns from APC members who feel sidelined despite working hard for the party’s electoral victory, Okotete reassured them that there are still opportunities ahead.
“It has only been 18 months in a four-year term. In the coming days, weeks, and months, the president will make many more appointments. There are agencies, boards, and commissions that will still require qualified individuals, and I believe opportunities will be made available for those who worked hard for the party,” she stated.
She urged party members to remain patient, emphasizing that President Bola Tinubu has a strong track record of rewarding loyalty and dedication.
“Compensation for political work does not always come in the form of an appointment. There are various ways to empower and recognize dedicated party members. President Bola Tinubu has a strong track record of rewarding hard work, as seen from his time in Lagos.
“To all APC members who worked and are still waiting for an appointment, I am confident that, at the right time, the president will acknowledge their contributions and find ways to involve them,” Okotete stated.
