Warri: NDC loses weight as Awani exits with 10,000 followers, domesticates PBAT Door-to-Door Movement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC has suffered major loss in Warri Federal Constituency as popular politician and businessman, Barr. Esimaje Vincent Awani, exits the party with over ten thousand of his avid supporters, otherwise known as Team Esimaje Awani.

Our Principal Correspondent, reports that Barr. Awani, who addressed his massive supporters in Warri, Delta State, Tuesday July 14, also flagged off the domestication of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo’s PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Warri Federal Constituency.

He stated that his decision to dump the NDC was after months of disappointment, due to the party’s leadership departure from the principles of justice, transparency and internal democracy.

Barr. Esimaje Awani, addressing his supporters at the event 

According to Barr Awani, during the NDC screening process, he paid ?10.5 million in addition to the prescribed fees for expression of interest and nomination forms as “party support”, yet the NDC leadership failed to ensure transparent primary for aspirants, particularly those vying for the Warri Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 polls.

He commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (AKA Tompolo) for initiating the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.

Barr. Awani’s statement during flag-off of the domestication of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, reads: “From my understanding of the process, governorship aspirants were required to pay ?50 million, senatorial aspirants ?20 million, and House of Representatives aspirants ?10 million under similar arrangements described as party support during screening. I believe these practices were inconsistent with the values of transparency and accountability that Nigerians expect from a political party.

Barr Awani (4th Right) with some supporters, during the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement

"On 29 May 2026, many of us participated in what we believed would be free and fair direct primaries. We remain convinced that we legitimately won our respective contests. Despite this, we believe the outcome of the process was not respected, and those of us who emerged victorious were denied the justice we deserved.

"What was even more disappointing was the silence of those who should have defended fairness and internal democracy. Leadership is tested not when everything is going well, but when injustice occurs. In my opinion, the failure to confront these issues raises serious questions about the ability of those at the helm of the party to champion justice on a national scale. For this reason, my supporters and I have collectively resolved to leave the NDC. We cannot, in good conscience, remain in a political party where we believe our sacrifices, commitment, and democratic mandate were disregarded.

"Instead, we have chosen to identify with the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement because we believe in its vision and leadership. We have confidence in High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), whose integrity, courage, and steadfastness have earned the respect of many Nigerians. We believe he has demonstrated consistency, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to the causes he believes in. We have therefore decided today, to move in the same political direction with him understanding his strong and patriotic sense of responsibility and judgment politically. 

"Our decision is not driven by personal ambition but by our desire to associate with a movement that, in our view, places integrity, justice, and accountability above personal interests.

We call on Nigerians to judge every political leader by their actions rather than their promises. Democracy can only thrive where justice is protected, transparency is upheld, and the will of the people is respected.

"May God bless our democracy, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria".

Tejere Jolomi Thomas, making his remarks, while others observe 

The National Ambassador, Contact and Mobilization for the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement in Delta State, Tejere Jolomi Thomas, who represented High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, expressed satisfaction with the massive followership of Barr. Awani, hailing Awani’s resilience and strength.

Fresh Angle International, can report that Barr Awani, who led his supporters on a march from Eagle Roundabout, to Angle Park, Warri, in solidarity for PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, gifted Sienna vehicles to two of his supporters and assured them of more donations.

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