Exclusive interview: APC Made Right Choice With Ibani – Jessa

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Harrison Jessa, has endorsed the party’s candidate for the newly restored Abraka State Constituency, Hon. Felix Erhimedafe, popularly known as Ibani, urging the people of Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State, to support his candidacy.

Jessa, who spoke in an exclusive interview with Mo Media Headlines, said the APC made the right choice by presenting Ibani to contest the House of Assembly seat, expressing confidence that the candidate would serve the interests of the people if elected.

According to the APC chieftain, Ibani would not disappoint the people of Abraka if given the opportunity to represent them at the Delta State House of Assembly.

He therefore called on the electorate and stakeholders across the constituency to rally behind the APC candidate, expressing optimism that Ibani would emerge victorious at the end of the election.

Jessa’s latest position comes against the backdrop of his earlier advocacy for unity and an equitable rotational arrangement among the three political wards in Abraka following the restoration of the constituency.

Restoration A Historic Milestone

Speaking shortly after the restoration of the constituency, Jessa had described the development as a historic milestone for Abraka, expressing delight that the community would once again have an opportunity to produce its own representative in the Delta State House of Assembly.

“I am so happy, very, very happy that at least Abraka is now going to have a say in the government of Delta State. Before now, we didn’t have that opportunity, but today we have every reason to celebrate,” he said.

He noted that the restoration followed years of agitation and efforts by the people of Abraka, stressing that the achievement should be used to strengthen the community rather than create fresh divisions.

Jessa said Abraka comprises the Oruarivie and Umiaghwa kingdoms and three political wards, adding that political leaders and stakeholders should work together to establish an arrangement that would promote fairness and inclusiveness.

“I will prefer that we sit together as a family and position this thing. Let the three wards benefit in equal share because I believe in equal sharing. That will bring peace,” he stated.

Calls For Rotational Representation

The APC chieftain had proposed that the House of Assembly seat should rotate among Wards 1, 2 and 3, with each ward producing a representative for an agreed period before the position moves to another ward.

He argued that such an arrangement, if agreed upon by the stakeholders, could promote a sense of belonging among the various political wards and reduce rivalry over the seat.

Jessa also suggested that political leaders should reach an understanding before the full weight of party politics takes centre stage, insisting that community unity should remain a priority.

He maintained that when it becomes the turn of a particular ward under an agreed rotational arrangement, political parties could respect the understanding by fielding candidates from that ward.

‘My Interest Is Peace’

Jessa had also made it clear that his advocacy was not motivated by any personal ambition to occupy the newly restored seat.

“I don’t want to sell myself. Let the leaders meet, agree, and endorse whoever should go. My interest is peace for all of us,” he said.

He stressed that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that the restoration of the constituency produces meaningful political representation while preserving the unity of the people.

However, in his latest engagement with Mo Media Headlines, Jessa has thrown his support behind Ibani, describing the APC candidate as the right choice for the constituency.

He urged APC supporters and the people of Abraka to work together in support of the candidate, while expressing confidence in Ibani’s capacity to represent the constituency.

Jessa’s endorsement adds another dimension to the unfolding political contest for the restored Abraka State Constituency, which has attracted significant attention from political parties, community leaders and stakeholders across Ethiope East.

With the constituency restored, the battle for representation has now shifted to the political arena, as candidates and their supporters intensify mobilisation across the three wards.

For Jessa, however, the political contest should not undermine the broader objective of unity, fairness and peaceful coexistence among the people of Abraka.