Encomium
The number of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirants in Ogun State increased by one as former minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Ishola joined the race.
Ishola, who was also the Secretary to the State Government between 2003 and 2007 declared his intention on Saturday, October 17, 2014, at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The grassroots politician stormed the party secretariat in company of his supporters; amidst drumming, singing and funfare to pay and collect the governorship nomination form.
While commending the state party chairman, Engr. Bayo Dayo for providing the needed leadership skills for the party, he gave kudos to the former governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel for collapsing Labour Party in the state into the PDP structures.
According to him, this would ensure that the PDP, with its winning traits win the next general elections in the state, so as to reproduce good governance for the people of the state.
He also commended the part’s South West Mobilizing and Organizing Committee Chairman, Prince Kashamu Buruji for what he described as his outstanding role in building the party in the state.
Ishola, who canvassed unity among party members across the state, said the party could only win if members were united.
“No doubt that all of us here today want PDP to win the forthcoming general elections, we must work for its unity and progress if truly we want it to be so. We lost the last general elections because we were divided, we must not allow that happen again in the party”.
He added: there is no doubt, that the PDP government in the state between 2003 and the 2011 provided better government than what we are currently witnessing.
“The job around is for the men and not for the boys, hence I have hearkened to the clarion calls of my supporters to join the race so as to salvage the state from the current misgovernment.
Sarafa, who said he was not against urban renewal programme of the current All Progressives Congress in the state, however cautioned that such should not deny people of their livelihood and ancestral property.
PDP chairman in the state, Dayo, while welcoming Isola, described him as a popular and experienced grassroots politician, he assured that he would ensure level-playing field for all aspirants in the party.
Dayo, who disclosed that no fewer than 10 aspirants were jostling for the Oke Igbehin Government House added that there would not be imposition of candidate.
“We have learnt from our past mistakes and we are not ready for a reoccurrence, hence I want to assure you that there will not be imposition of candidate or automatic ticket in this state, all aspirants must go through primaries.
“Because of my desire to ensure level-playing field for all aspirants and ensure victory for our party, I have decided to give the tickets of our dear party to my perceived enemies who can win the elections than to give to my friends and lose.”
