President Goodluck Jonathan told stakeholders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State to ensure that transparency and popular choice of the aspirant that can lead the party to victory in the general elections next year.

President Jonathan said “PDP is not ready to lose any of the South South States and will not gamble with presenting a candidate that is not popular with the people, regardless of the personalities backing such aspirant.”

The president made these remarks when he received the leadership of Anioma Congress, the socio-political organisation of Delta North, which went to Aso Rock, Abuja, last week to present the list of four aspirants which it considered to have the best chances of winning the governorship election in 2015.

Anioma Congress under the leadership of Obi Prof. Chike Edozien presented the list to President Jonathan who told the delegates that PDP will abide by its principle of power ship and rotation which were introduced by the founding fathers of the party to ensure equity, justice and fairness.

Anioma Congress came under increased pressure by Delta State Governor to include the names of Sir, Tony Obuh and Hon. Charles Emetulu, the Commissioner for Power both of whom did not go through the screening process laid down by Anioma Congress to prune down the list of 21 aspirants from Delta North vying for the ticket.

Notable among the name in the list of the aspirants submitted by Anioma Congress were: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, Hon. Victor Ochei, and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. It was learnt that the names of Sir. Tony Chuks Obuh and Hon. Charles Emetulu, were submitted as the governor’s nominees.

President Jonathan however advised the two sides to harmonise the list which eventually resulted in a short list of six aspirants which will be submitted to Governor Uduaghan in Asaba for onward transmission to Abuja.