By Staff Reporter
Comrade Johnny Obakpororo, a political pressure-group leader and former aspirant under the auspices of the Obas Movement for Good Governance, has received a rousing reception from supporters and residents of Evwreni Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Obakpororo was in the ancient kingdom as part of his ongoing “Thank You All for Your Support” tour following the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries in the Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency.
He was received at the palace of HRM Oghenekevwe Owin Kumani, Eruvwedede III, the Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, where he expressed appreciation to the monarch for his fatherly support, prayers and goodwill before, during and after the party primaries.
Addressing the monarch, Obakpororo said he was particularly grateful to the people of Evwreni Kingdom for their massive support during the primaries, noting that he emerged victorious in the kingdom as well as in the other areas where the primary election was conducted.
According to him, although he won the party’s primary election across the three local government areas that make up the federal constituency, the leadership of the NDC at the local, state and national levels later prevailed upon him to step aside for the sake of the party and the next political dispensation.
He said he accepted the decision out of respect for the party’s leadership and the values instilled in him by his family.
“I won the primary gallantly and victoriously; I won the primary election in all three local government areas of the Ughelli North, South and Udu Federal Constituency.
“I was prevailed upon by the leadership of our party to step aside for others for now. I’m no longer in the race; we are looking to the future elections.”
At Evwreni town, where NDC supporters gathered in large numbers to welcome him, Obakpororo thanked the people for their unwavering support and confidence in his political aspiration.
He said their reception demonstrated not only their love for him but also their commitment to the party.
“I’m here today to thank you for your unwavering and unalloyed support during and after our party’s primary. You all have demonstrated love and confidence in me.
“Your enthusiasm, love and support have shown that Evwreni people love our party and love me. I am here to say thank you all for your kind gestures and to let you all know that we won the party primary but were prevailed upon to step down for others for now.
“I’m no longer in the race; we are looking to the future elections.”
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Obakpororo said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception from his supporters and the people of Evwreni Kingdom, describing the gesture as a strong demonstration of their continued confidence in his leadership.
He urged his supporters to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that he would always be available whenever they call on him to provide leadership and represent their interests at any level in future elections.
