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  • PDP appeal panel clears acting Adamawa governor

    PDP appeal panel clears acting Adamawa governor

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Screening Appeal Committee has voided the disqualification of the Adamawa State Acting Governor, Umar Fintiri.

    Consequently, the panel has given him the clearance to participate in the party’s primary election coming up on September 6.

    Briefing journalists shortly after the appeal seating at the PDP national secretariat yesterday, the chairman of the panel, Senator James Manager, affirmed Fintiri’s qualification to participate in the election.

    Manager said the Ibrahim Mantu-led screening panel that disqualified the Acting Governor on Saturday committed an error of judgment in arriving at its  decision.

    The Mantu committee had relied on Section 191 (2) of the Constitution to ease Fintiri out of the race, saying; “Fintiri is not qualified to contest in the primaries because he is not a deputy governor that emerged as acting governor.

    “He is a child of circumstance. He is the midwife and should not be the one carrying the pregnancy. He is like a referee who cannot participate in the match.”

    But faulting Mantu’s position, Manager said: “We have taken a critical look at the entire gamut of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution before arriving at our decision.

    “The prerequisite for qualification to contest the election, as quoted by the Screening Panel, does not in any way affect the rights of the Acting Governor to contest.

    “On the strength of that, we have decided to issue the Acting Governor a provisional clearance certificate to participate in the primary election.

    “This decision is based on the facts on ground and not informed by any primordial sentiments. The outcome of our exercise is a unanimous decision by all members of the committee.”

    Fintiri appealed his disqualification, arguing that the  committee erred in its judgment and that the constitutional provision relied upon for his disqualification was misinterpreted.

    The Acting Governor’s petition had stated inter alia: “With due respect to the eminent members of the Screening Committee, they cannot read into the provision of the 1999 constitution what is not contained therein.

    “Even though I am the Acting Governor, my role is just to fill the governance vacuum created by the impeachment of the Governor and the resignation of the Deputy Governor and not that of a “referee or “midwife” carrying a pregnancy.

    “The referee or midwife is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). If this were so, every governor who completes a first term and seeks election for a second term must resign from office before he or she can contest.

    “In the event of the need to interpret that provision of the Constitution, it is only a court of law that can do so. Not being a court of law, the Screening Committee was not competent to come to the conclusion it came to with regard to the provision of Section 191 (2) of the 1999 Constitution.

    “I, therefore, appeal to you to set the decision of the Screening Committee disqualifying me aside and allow me to contest the gubernatorial primaries coming up on 6th September, 2014.

    “Apart from being my inalienable right to contest, I make this passionate appeal as a loyal party member who has over the years contributed immensely to the good fortunes of the party in Adamawa State.

    “Furthermore, disqualifying me will make nonsense of the provisions of the party constitution which guarantees a level playing field for all members and candidates for political offices of the party and the ideals which I know the President of our great country stands for”.

    Fintiri, who was accompanied by aides and associates, expressed satisfaction with the decision of the panel, saying it was a victory for democracy and victory for the people of Adamawa State.

    Before the upturning of his disqualification, supporters of the acting governor took to the streets in Yola, the state capital at the weekend.

    Some students and artisans carried placards denouncing PDP National Chairman Adamu Mu’azu and screening panel Chairman Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu.

    The inscriptions on the placards are: “Down with Adamu Mu’azu”; “Adamu Mu’azu is Ebola”; “Mantu is wicked”; “Stop this injustice”; etc. The protesters barricaded the Bekaji Roundabout from the State Polytechnic, saying anti Mu’azu songs.

    The demonstrators also lambasted “Abuja politicians” who played roles in barring their man from contesting the PDP primaries.

    Fintiri requested his supporters to dismiss the report of his disqualification as baseless and of no effect whatsoever.

    The chairman of the Fintiri campaign Organisation, Dr. Jonathan Silas Zwingina, told reporters that the group rejected the screening panel’s decision.

    Zwingina described Ibrahim Mantu panel’s decision as irrational and lacking moral or constitutional basis.

    Zwingina said the organisation would contest the disqualification decision to the highest level.

    “The committee that did the screening did not find any misgiving – legally, constitutionally or otherwise – on our aspirant and we hereby reject that report totally as an aberration,” he said.

    According to him,” Fintiri has challenged the report of that committee to the highest level as the issues raised by the Mantu committee have been resolved by the organisation as a figment of the imagination of Ibrahim Mantu. The appeal committee will resolve the matter in the favour of Fintiri.”

    Zwingina urged members of the PDP to remain calm, adding that the Fintiri Campaign Organisation would go into the race not to only participate but to win the PDP primaries and eventually win the general election. “We strongly believe that we shall win the primaries and the Organisation is strong and thriving to defeat the other aspirants by winning the primaries in a landslide victory,” he said.

    Before the Appeal panel’s decision, Fintiri was believed to be lobbying First Lady Patience Jonathan and top leaders of the party to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to mandate the Appeal Committee to clear him for the primary.

    Fintiri was also rallying nine aspirants to stop hot contenders, such as former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chair Nuhu Ribadu,  former Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Executive Secretary Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo, who is enjoying the backing of the “grassroots” in the state; ex-Lagos Military Administrator Buba Marwa; and a former governorship candidate, Marcus Gundiri.

    Fintiri might support one of the nine aspirants to prove to the PDP National Secretariat that he is in charge.

    On Saturday, Fintiri protested against his disqualification by the Mantu Panel before leaving the party’s National Secretariat.

    He accused the panel of working for Ribadu.

    A PDP source said: “But the extent to which our leaders has been polarised since Saturday night is baffling. Some respected BOT members have kicked against Fintiri’s disqualification, alleging that the party may sink into a deeper crisis in Adamawa State.

    “The Acting Governor has also been sending emissaries to President Jonathan and the First Lady. Bigwigs have been mounting pressure on the President to clear Fintiri for the primary.”

    In a statement through his Director of Press Affairs, Solomon Kumanga, the Acting Governor insisted that the Mantu Committee acted illegally.

    He said he is still in the race because his eligibility to contest is unquestionable.

    The statement said: “The Acting Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has called on Adamawa people, particularly fellow supporters and members of the PDP that believe in his cause not to rest on their oars but continue to mobilise for the delegates election as he is still in the race.

    “The Governor said the issues surrounding His non-clearance by the Mantu PDP screening Committee have been resolved.

    “Fintiri drew attention to the fact that the Committee did not disqualify him from the race as widely touted by the chairman because it lacked any legal or constitutional grounds to do so just as there was no ground under the statutes of the party to take such an arbitrary decision.

    “The Acting Governor is confident his eligibility to contest is unquestionable because the decision not to clear him had no political or legal precedence. Fintiri also drew attention to the fact that the decision of the committee to withhold his clearance on moral grounds could not stand because a day earlier, fellow aspirants who just returned to the party were granted waiver on the premise of fairness and justice.

    “However, where is the fairness or justice to the man who reclaimed the party’s mandate and wiped shame from the faces of all the Adamawa party bigwigs, who failed to do so in the first place?

    “If Fintiri as Speaker was able to remove Nyako and secure the PDP’s chance to reclaim Adamawa State, a state that is on the verge of being captured by the APC, then this is the time to reward him. Fintiri expresses unflinching loyalty to PDP which he served very well and the people whose overwhelming support he enjoys.”

    It was gathered that the acting governor met with nine of the 14 aspirants.

    They are: Auwal Tukur; ex-Minister Aliyu Idi Hong; Sen. Abubakar H. Girei; Jerry Kumdisi; Andrawus Sawa; James Barka; and retired  Gen. Aliyu Kama; Ahmed Gulak and Dr. Umar Ardo.

    At a meeting on Saturday night, it was agreed that the nine aspirants should meet in Yola to pick a consensus candidate against Ribadu and Modibbo.

    A chartered jet was provided yesterday to convey the aspirants to Yola to go and protest to the State PDP Secretariat against the disqualification of Fintiri.

    The aspirants will also seek a level-playing field, transparency and fair primary on Saturday.

    Another source added: “The Acting Governor might work against the top aspirants in the race. With the backing of the House of Assembly members and 21 local government chairmen, he might swing the primary in favour of any of the nine aspirants.

    “If PDP is adamant in disqualifying the Acting Governor, the man and his supporters have concluded plans to also play a spoiler’s game against Ribadu, Modibbo, Marwa and  Gundiri.”

  • APC, PDP, Accord flex muscle in Oyo over 2015 poll

    APC, PDP, Accord flex muscle in Oyo over 2015 poll

    The three major political parties in Oyo State have started flexing muscles over 2015 general elections, with each vowing that it would emerge victorious.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord yesterday told The Nation in separate interviews that nothing would stop each of them from taking over control of Agodi Government House in the February the election.

    Speaking for the Accord, its Publicity Secretary, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, said the fact that the PDP and APC won in Ekiti and Osun states showed that voters in Southwest place more premium on candidates rather than parties.

    Adeniran, who faulted suggestions that only the PDP and the APC were the main parties and that the battle looks squarely positioned between them, said:  “PDP won in Ekiti and APC won in Osun. Accord is going to win in Oyo State. Those thinking that the battle is squarely between APC and PDP should know that Southwest is not homogeneous as they are thinking because it is not the same set of voters that  will vote and it is not the same thing that is happening in all the states. “Most of them in Ekiti knew from the onset that Fayose was going to win in Ekiti and I can tell you that we knew that Aregebesola was going to win in Osun State. So, we can say that Accord will win in Oyo State.”

    Adeniran said those who think that Accord would be pushed to the background were living in illusion, pointing out that Oyo State voters are asking its governorship hopeful, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, to come back as governor.

    Also, a chieftain of the PDP and the senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Hosea Agbooola, said the voters were tired of the APC government.

    He assured that the PDP would replace the former after the next year election.

    His words: “You are a living witness to what happened in Osun State. But Oyo State politics is different from that of Osun State. I am assuring you that the people of Oyo State are tired of APC government. They are tired of taking directives from Lagos State. So, I am assuring you that come 2015, PDP will emerge as the governor.”

    But the state Chairman of the APC, Chief Akin Oke, rubbished their claims.

    He wondered the basis on which either the PDP or Accord would return to power, having squandered the state’s resources and inflicted violence and brigandage on residents during their eight-year reign between 2003 and 2011.

    Oke said: “PDP or Senator Ladoja winning election in Oyo State again? On what basis? Our government outperformed both of them within our three years in office when compared with their eight years in office combined. Is it in the area of security, infrastructural development, urban renewal or what? As far as we are concerned, based on Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s performance, Senator Ladoja’s performance in four years was nil. So was Otunba Alao-Akala, who inflicted violence and gangsterism on the state, among others, in his four-year reign.

    “I base my own position on valid yardsticks. PDP is even worse at federal level now so much that they cannot go out and ask for people’s votes based on the performance of the party. What they are now doing is to hide under the name of President Goodluck Jonathan, believing that they can get some sympathy.

    “Surely by 2015, we are not just going to contest, but we are going to win the election.”

  • Northwest PDP leaders endorse Jonathan for 2015

    Northwest PDP leaders endorse Jonathan for 2015

    •Lamido, Shema absent
    •Jonathan/Shema poster floods venue

    Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Northwest geo-political zone yesterday endorsed the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 election.

    They affirmed their support at a meeting attended by Vice President Namadi Sambo in Kaduna.

    Party Chairman Adamu Mu’azu, National Organising Secretary Abubakar Mustapha, Zonal Chairman Amb. Adamu Kazaure, Senator Magoro and Sokoto State Deputy Governor Mukhtar Shagari, all attended the meeting.

    The Northwest comprising seven states Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa states has the largest population of voters among the six geo-political zones.

    Yesterday’s meeting is believed to be the zone’s response to the ongoing activities orchestrated around President Jonathan’s undisguised but yet to declared bid for re-election.

    The PDP through the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Transformation Ambassador of Nigeria (TAN) has been holding rallies in geo-political zones in support of the President’s candidature.

    The rallies have been held in the Southeast, Southwest and Southsouth zones.

    Governors in the Northwest zone attended are ex-Capt. Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina).

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal also did not attaend.

    Though absent, posters of Jonathan/Shema for President/Vice President in 2015 flooded the venue, leading speculation to the rumour that some forces within the party were rooting for dropping of Sambo from the ticket.

    Speaking on behalf of the governors from the zone, Kebbi State Governor Usman Dankingari, the governors would ensure that they deliver the zone which he described as the most sophisticated ad most populous in terms of voting size in the country to President Jonathan.

    National Chairman Mu’azu said the party which is as “constant as the northern star”, remain a party to beat and urged members in the zone to remain united so as to deliver the zone in 2015.

    A communique issued at the end of the meeting read by Ambassador Aminu Wali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the president had done a lot to deserve a second term.

    He said the region would remain grateful to the Jonathan administration, especially in terms of infrastructural upliftment, good governance and the promotion of democracy.

    “Several beneficial projects have been sited in the northwest for the rapid socio-economic transformation of the region.”

    The communiqué added: “Having carefully considered the steady and stable progress of our nation under the able leadership of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the stakeholders of the PDP in the northwest zone, having in mind the monumental strides attained by this administration, have resolved to endorse Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to declare for president in the forthcoming 2015 elections so as to continue the good work he started in nation building. We ask for nothing less.

    “Consequently, we respectfully call on the National  Chairman of our party to convey this resolution and unanimous declaration of the entire leadership and membership of the PDP in the Northwest zone to His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to surrender  himself for the continued service to the nation.”

  • Disquiet in PDP as NWC member spends millions on choice cars, others

    Disquiet in PDP as NWC member spends millions on choice cars, others

    •Pro-Jonathan forces keep close tabs on chieftain

    There is unease in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) over the spending spree of a top member of the party on choice cars for some Emirs and leaders in the North in case the region is opposed for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    There were speculations that the big shot, who is a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), might be scheming for the Office of the Vice-President to displace the current holder, Namadi Sambo.

    But pro-Jonathan forces are not taking things for granted by keeping close tabs on the PDP leader.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that contrary to the posturing of some cabinet members and PDP leaders from the South, not all those working with the President from the North are backing his re-election aspiration.

    Some leaders of the PDP from the North are also being suspected of nursing covert plot against Jonathan’s second term bid.

    It was learnt that the attitude of the said NWC member is causing ripples in the party and within the  pro-Jonathan camp.

    The top shot is blowing cash running into millions of Naira to buy choice cars for Emirs.

    The bigwig has bought expensive cars, including Mercedes Benz 500, for some traditional rulers in Northwest, Northeast and Northcentral.

    It was gathered that the presentation of the cars was not accompanied with any solicitation for support for the President.

    The same leader is said to be at loggerheads with some PDP governors from the North over his surreptitious aspiration.

    A reliable source, who spoke in confidence, said: “In spite of the pro-Jonathan rallies in the South for his re-election bid, there are signs that not all the leaders and cabinet members from the North are totally in support of the second term aspiration. They are just tagging along till the right time.

    “A few cabinet members approached by the anti-Jonathan elements have said no to such a plot. They however warned the forces behind the plot against it because the President had been fair to all the six geopolitical zones.

    “Some of them are hoping that Governor Sule Lamido’s presidential project will work to make the presidential primaries competitive.”

  • Ekiti, PDP trade words over property sale

    Ekiti, PDP trade words over property sale

    Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration at the weekend engaged in war of words over alleged illegal sale of “valuable property.”

    It started with the PDP alleging that the state’s property were being sold to some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and cronies of the governor at “give away” prices.

    But the Information Commissioner, Mr. Tayo Ekundayo, dismissed the allegation as lacking in “substance, relevance and truth.”

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, alleged that some top officials in the state’s Housing Corporation and the Directorate of Lands and Planning were involved in the alleged fraud.

    The party added that the sale of property included government assets in the state as well as some located in Abuja and Lagos.

    It listed the affected properties to include pieces of land and houses at Irewolede Estate Phases I and II, Ado-Ekiti, as well as others at Obasanjo Housing Estate, Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    The PDP said: “Lands at Irewolede and Obasanjo Estates are for Housing Development Scheme, not site and serviced, with Certificates of Occupancy (Cof O) of the estates already used by the Ekiti State Housing Corporation to apply for N1.5 billion mortgage facility from the Federal Mortgage Bank Of Nigeria (FMBN) out of which less than N1 billion has been approved, waiting for payment to the Ekiti State Housing Corporation.

    “Now, a plot of land at Irewolede Phase II and Obasanjo Estate is being sold to Fayemi’s cronies at a very ridiculous price of N200,000, while the houses at Irewolede Phase I are being allocated to political appointees and Fayemi’s cronies at a giveaway price of N6 million instead of the N12 million placed on the property by official valuer.”

    The party noted that government vehicles, both new and fairly used, were being auctioned at prices that could not be justified.

    But Ekundayo, in a telephone chat with reporters, stated: “It is not true. They should show proof. I am not aware of such and if they are sure of their fact, they should wait till October 16 when they take over and revoke such properties.

    “I don’t think a sensible government could say because it is leaving, it can start selling property of the state. Such allegation is senseless and unsubstantiated and should not be taken seriously,” he said.

  • ‘Obiano not for PDP’

    ‘Obiano not for PDP’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Pat Ogochukwu Egolum, has debunked a speculation  that Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano may join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said the party was intact.

    Egolum spoke yesterday in Awka while briefing reporters on the purported defection of the governor to another party.

    The politician, who is contesting Anaocha I Constituency next year, said he was in the race because his people were in need of development.

  • PDP chieftains hail Ortom’s endorsement

    Chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Iharev extraction from Makurdi, Guma and Gwer West local government areas of Benue State have praised Minda stakeholders for endorsing Dr. Samuel Ortom for the governorship slot in 2015.

    The chieftains included former members of the Benue State Executive Council, council chairmen, party executives, councilors, supervisors and grassroots politicians.

    The party stalwarts spoke during a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom, in Makurdi yesterday.

    They expressed appreciation for what they described as the apparent consensus by majority in the four Tiv intermediate areas to concede the seat to the Minda political axis in the current dispensation.

    The chieftains maintained that with the endorsement, the Minda stakeholders particularly the eldest politicians among them such as Iyo Iharev, John Azulo and Sylvanus Agagbe, have demonstrated understanding what the political atmosphere in the state.

  • ‘Mu’azu, Tukur will destroy Adamawa PDP’

    A group, The Adamawa State Collective (ASC), has alleged that the attempts by the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Adamu Mu’azu and the Principal Private Secretary to the President, Alhaji Hassan Tukur, to impose a candidate on the PDP will spell doom for the party in the October governorship by-election in the state.

    It accused Mu’azu and Tukur of working towards imposing the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to emerge as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Adamawa State against all odds.

    The deft moves by Mu’azu and Tukur, ASC alleged, were part of a subtle but grand conspiracy against President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    A statement by ASC’s Musa Ayuba stated that the plot by the PDP National Chairman is aimed at planting his surrogates and men for the actualisation of his 2019 presidential ambition without considering the consequences on Jonathan’s ambition in 2015.

    The ASC said: “Mu’azu doesn’t care if in the process President Jonathan’s political future is jeopardised. This was exactly what he did to former President Olusgun Obasanjo in 2003 when he campaigned against the then president by telling the people of Bauchi State to vote for him (Mu’azu) but vote against Obasanjo.

    “This was the reason why in 2007 Chief Obasanjo ensured that Mu’azu’s candidate for the governorship of Bauchi was defeated and also ensured that the PDP National Chairman lost his Senatorial election.”

    The group demanded for the emergence of a Christian governor in the interest of fairness and equity.

    It said: “After the Christians had governed for 8 years through Boni Haruna and the Muslims also for 8 years through Murtala Nyako, it is only fair and just that the next governor should be a Christian.

    “We demand that Mr. President supports a Christian to emerge as the next governor. We are not slaves of the Fulanis.”

    The ASC vowed to work against the PDP if it fails to field a Christian aspirant.

  • Ribadu swims through waiver storm

    Ribadu swims through waiver storm

    BY defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediately vying for the Adamawa governorship, Nuhu Ribadu, former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has probably taken the greatest risk of his career. Even if he succeeds, he will by no means be justified at the end of the day, for the future is fraught with graver risk yet: of internal squabbles within his new party, danger of unsuccessful tenure as governor, and other unforeseen problems and obstacles. Together with a few other aspirants, he has, however, finally got a waiver to contest the Adamawa governorship poll. But should he fail to win the election, it would be hard to see him recover in a hurry.

    But it is clear that in spite of having been assured of a waiver and the party ticket, the party’s national and state hierarchies have presented unexpected obstacles before Mallam Ribadu. Suddenly, it is no longer looking like Mallam Ribadu had made the best decision of his life. His competitors in the party are no pushovers, as they also have grit and implacable backers. If the presidency does get deeply and brusquely involved in the Adamawa race and imbroglio, it is possible they may swing it for him. But it would be over the dead bodies of his rivals, and at a cost that would definitely be pyrrhic.

    Worse for Mallam Ribadu, should he win, it would come at a prohibitive cost to his personal values and principles, as inchoate as they appear to be. Not only does he not have money, and others must now sponsor his race and ambition, leaving him to guess the quality and scope of their altruism, it also appears he would watch agonisingly as the party behemoths crush his opponents in ways that would not warm the cockles of his heart. In retrospect, Mallam Ribadu should have waited more patiently for the right time, right party, and right office. He now cannot afford to fail; but even if he succeeds, he will rue his success. In other words, damn if he does; and damn if he doesn’t.

  • ‘Why I will win Kwara PDP governorship ticket’

    ‘Why I will win Kwara PDP governorship ticket’

    Former presidential aspirant of the National Transformation Party (NTP) in the 2011 election, Mr. John Dara, is seeking to govern Kwara State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his plans to win the race and govern the state.

    You contested the 2011 presidential election and lost. Why are you sticking out your neck again this time?

    I have always been eager to contribute to the quality of leadership in Nigeria. I recall that in 2011, I needed to make a statement on behalf of my people in the Middle Belt that we have many quality people who could be Presidents of Nigeria. I realised that many people in the Middle Belt tend to be self-effacing and humble, even shy of presenting themselves as being available.

    I was setting a standard and pace that you don’t need to be a money bag to make yourself available to serve. There is nothing ungodly or arrogant about making oneself available for leadership. That point was eloquently made and I can assure you that in the Middle Belt today, more and more people are very confident and ready to take over leadership at all levels. I could run again for the presidency but as far as the forum is concerned, there is no vacancy there for now.

    We have not spoken officially but the truth is we are backing Jonathan. So, that possibility is foreclosed. It gives me the opportunity to reopen a project, which I have vigorously pursued in 2002. I wanted to change the politics of Kwara State and bring democratic, developmental leadership.

    In 2003, I contested against former Governor Bukola Saraki. As at the eve of the primary, I had three-quarter of the PDP delegates behind me while he had one. At the end of the day, all our delegates were locked out and he was proclaimed the candidate. The law as at that time gave the party the opportunity to pick candidates however they wanted. So, there was nothing we could do.

    Kwara people are calling me to duty. They want me to rescue them. All the original members of the PDP are resolute about my candidature and that is why I am in the race.

    How well are you grounded in the PDP considering the many camps in the party led by Hajia Bola Shagaya, Gbemi Saraki and Dele Belgore?

    First of all, I always caution that the impression created in media does not represent reality. Hajia Shagaya is one of the leaders of the party. She does not have any faction at all. She is a friend of all the aspirants and all groups. She may like one group above others but her primary focus is that PDP wins in Kwara. As a matter of fact, she does not see herself as a politician. She just wants to make sure that PDP wins in Kwara.

    Gbemi does not have a faction but supporters for her aspiration. Dele Belgore has supporters not a faction but PDP of Kwara is one solid block. I can tell you authoritatively that there are no factions. I play a major role and I can say I was the leading figure in installing the current state executives of the party.

    The State Chairman is from my camp. I was the one who approached Gbemi to nominate someone to be the Secretary. She nominated the Women Leader. I approached many others who nominated their own people too. So, everybody has somebody in the state executive.

    But what is more important is that when we finish the process of primary, the level of friendship among us will remain that we can still be friends. That is my own objective. So, there are no factions; there is competition and rivalry.

    So, you belong to Bola Shagaya’s faction?

    There is nothing like that. I am a friend to Bola Shagaya. I am a friend to Gbemi Saraki. I am a friend of Abdul Raheem and everybody. And I mean close, warm, personal relationship. I am a friend of Jamiu Ibrahim and everyone. Before politics, we were friends. During this contest, we have no reasons to quarrel among ourselves.

    So, I don’t belong to any faction. My belief is that when I have emerged as the governorship aspirant of the party, everyone can say ‘let’s work together with him’.

    The feelers are that the Sarakis have control in Kwara. Is it true? Can you emerge with that structure in place?

    Every politician you ask in Kwara will tell you that the media has an exaggerated picture of the Sarakis in Kwara. I will say the media is justified because one way or the other, Saraki managed to be on the winning side throughout his career.

    What many people do not know is that he was a smart politician. He would study the trend and throw in his support. When he saw that Cornelius Adebayo was going to win in the Second Republic, he supported him. When he saw that Shaaba Lafiagi was the most popular aspirant in his camp, he backed him despite the fact that he didn’t want him.

    When it was the turn of Mohammed Lawal, he saw that he was loaded and competitive. He supported him. All the former governors were aware they needed his support and humbled themselves before him. The formula for getting his support in those days was to be very strong and relate to him with humility and loyalty.

    So, who inherited the structure? Bukola has left with some people for the APC. Gbemi is still in the PDP. When the father was alive, he could not defeat Bukola. Is it now that she will defeat him? How much of the structure did she bring to the PDP? How much is left in APC?

    The Saraki’s factor will be in Kwara politics for a long time to come but I don’t think it will be the determining factor in the next election. In the past, one Oloye determined who became what but there would be nothing like that again. I believe the Jonathan’s factor would rather determine whoever emerges. I believe that the PDP will win big if I am eventually fielded as the flag bearer.

    But what about the zoning arrangement that does not favour you?

    I am not aware of any zoning arrangement in Kwara State. Whether in the PDP or APC, there is no such thing in the state. But conventional wisdom makes us know that any of the parties that do not pick its candidate from Kwara South will lose.

    In 2011, Kwara Central had produced Bukola for eight years about Lawal’s four years. So, the district produced the governor for 12 years. Before then, the North produced Shaaba Lafiagi. So, everyone was of the opinion that Kwara South must produce the governor. Bukola rode on the back of that to pick someone from the South who won eventually.

    The same thing applies now. Kwara South is where the ticket must go. We have done first term with Abdul Fatai and we must do the second term after which others can have their own turn. So, it is settled in the minds of electorates.

    But the last time the north produced a governor was far back in the Second Republic and fairness dictates they should get it now.

    No, but they don’t stand any chance. The voting power of Kwara State is in the Central and South. Are you saying we are not entitled to the second term?

    Is it true the president is backing you?

    I will say to you that he is neutral. He wants the primary to be transparent to engender unity. Before now, there were funny characters claiming to have his backing. I know what endorsements they have and the ones they don’t have. What I can say to you is that I am the most popular. Only two of us were in the original PDP and all these new comers in the party do not know the spirit of PDP. They will not be elected as the flag bearers.

    All of them want to be governors but we have not heard of their plans to transform Kwara State. I have produced a four-point agenda for the transformation of the state that people have seen. It resonates with the people. It is not just about aspiration but vision and mission.

    You are a Christian. Do you see yourself winning the governorship poll in a Muslim-dominated state?

    I believe there is a Muslim majority in Kwara. That is my impression though some people don’t agree with me. So, it will be unwise to be running on the basis of religion.

    But what I have going for me is the fact that I am a grassroots, a commoner who can connect with people. Whether Muslims or Christians, old or young, many people are at ease in my presence.

    My support base cuts across all religions. The people of Kwara will take decision not based on religion but competence of the aspirants. I intend to make Kwara a state of harmony for all faiths to feel a sense of belonging.