From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The Kwara State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s Presidential flag bearer for the 2015 election.
The party, through its Elders and stakeholders, gave the nod during a meeting with members of Integration Committee for the North Central zone.
The committee, headed by former national Chairman of the party, Senator Haliru Bello was in Ilorin on fact finding mission as to the political standing of PDP in Kwara State.
The endorsement came through a motion by the former Secretary of the party, Prince Sunday Fagbemi and co-seconded by the state Auditor, Sunday Ibitoye and Hajia Kuburat Kasum.
Former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, who moderated the motion, asked for a voice vote and yes carried the day.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the state chairman of the party, Chief Iyiola Oyedepo intimated the delegation the journey so far in PDP and efforts at putting party structures in place.
According to Oyedepo, there was nothing on ground when the present executive Council was inaugurated.
He said the executive only met N18, 000 in the kitty of the party, while the defected members went with the party structures, such as vehicles and offices.
Oyedepo disclosed that the party was left bare as all politically elected and appointed members from the state down to the ward level defected to APC along with Senator Bukola Saraki.
The chairman declared that the precarious situation necessitated the Abuja fund raising where about N120 million was realized.
He said out of this amount, only N70 million has been redeemed which was used to secure the secretariat, procure 17 vehicles for the LGA chairmen.
Oyedepo lamented that since the inauguration of the present executive, the party has not received any assistance from either the federal government or the national headquarters.
“We really do not believe that our national secretariat should treat Kwara State as a state where PDP is only looking for mere 25% in a Presidential election”, Oyedepo said.
While responding, Chairman of the delegation, Senator Bello said he was convinced that PDP was firmly on ground, ripe and ready to win the 2015 general elections in Kwara.
He also assured members of the party that there would be no imposition of candidates.
Bello also promised that he would table their request for financial and security support to the national headquarters. He said President Goodluck Jonathan, as a peace loving person believed that imposition of candidates was a major factor that has been tearing PDP apart.
