A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Engr. Adeolu Akinwumi, has rejected plans by some leaders of the party to adopt a consensus candidate ahead of the primary scheduled for April 25.
Akinwumi, who spoke to reporters in Akure, after purchasing the nomination and expression of interest forms, said he was never a part of consensus arrangement.
Last month, leaders of the Ondo PDP said they would work towards emergence of a consensus candidate to avoid a rancourous party primary.
The leaders said the choice of a consensus candidate would enable the party contest the election with a united force.
But Akinwumi said the PDP’s constitution spelt out the modalities for the emergence of a candidate.
He said: “The word consensus means agreeable for all. If I am part of the consensus arrangement, I will not pick the form, I will wait for the outcome of the consensus talks. I have said it from beginning that I am not going to be a part of any consensus arrangement. The party constitution is clear. It stipulates a primary process for the picking of a candidate.
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“As you can see, I obtained the party form to officially kick start the race for me. It makes me a bona fide aspirant of the party. The process to nominate a party’s candidate is a process. I have fulfilled the first part.
“There is no APC in Ondo. We are going to win the election.”
Acting Ondo PDP chairman, Tola Alabere, said the party would win the November governorship polls.
Alabere urged party supporters to not only pray but must work towards emerging victorious at the polls.
“The idea of people collecting money to work against the party must stop if truly we want to win. It is time for us to take over this state. This is the best time for the PDP to win. Consider your efforts when voting on election day. Let us resolve to work for the PDP,” he said.