Kashamu, PDP differ on Ogun guber ticket

*’Atiku, Saraki, others will reconcile me with PDP leadership’ *Adebutu is our candidate in Ogun insists PDP spokesperson Controversy trailing the choice of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State continues to rage as both Senator Buruji Kashamu and Hon Oladipo Adebutu lay claim to the ticket. Kashamu is recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the party’s candidate while the National leadership of the party backs Adebutu. Senator Kashamu claimed that critical stakeholders in the party have waded into the crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the party ahead of the 2019 general elections. Kashamu who sees the division that has engulfed the ruling APC in the state as an opportunity for him and a united PDP front to coast to victory in the March 2, 2019 governorship election, said a rapprochement is being worked out between him and other PDP stakeholders in and outside the state for a united platform for the contest . The Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district made the declaration in his office Thursday at the National Assembly while fielding questions from journalists on the election and problem trailing his candidature. He said though he had problem with the leadership of PDP at the national level but rapprochement according to him, is being worked out between him and the party’s national leaders by critical stakeholders like the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, and others. Giving a insight into the crisis, he stated that, ” My problem with PDP leadership in Abuja dated back to the era of Alhaji Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi ‘s factional leadership which was laid to rest early last year by the Supreme Court judgment recognising the latter as the authentic Acting National chairman . “As I earlier said, bygone should be allowed to be by-gone as far the said fractionalization of the party at that time was concerned. “INEC has confirmed me as the gubernatorial candidate of the party and everybody both within and outside the state on the platform of PDP should accept the reality on ground by teaming up with me and my very able running mate, for the sake of the party and very good people of the state. “Politics is not a do or die affair but all about passion and commitment to serve the people who are already keying into our aspiration here in Ogun State not only for gubernatorial position but other elective positions as well, particularly the presidential and National Assembly elections coming first ahead of which many Ogun electorates are getting ‘Artikulated’ on daily basis. According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has substantially settled the issue of candidature with his recognition as the authentic gubernatorial candidate of PDP for the Ogun Guber race just as divine forces have already thrown confusion into the camp of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state with attendant massive depletion of its membership almost on daily basis now. Kashamu was optimistic that he has what it takes with his running mate to win the state for the PDP but need the full support of every member of the party in Ogun to coast to victory. He said his joint ticket with a renowned journalist , Reuben Abati for the gubernatorial race is “very formidable for any divided house either from APC , or Allied Peoples Movement (APM) to defeat” . “Before now, our political structure under the platform of Omoilu , has been there for the people of the state in terms of its impactfulness in the area of empowerment and responsiveness to their needs . ” Such pedigree of people centred services is part of what we are taking into the race which Insha Allah, shall be won by us very easily more so, with the self inflicted injuries APC members had inflicted on themselves . “Though Governor Ibikunle Amosun can be rated to have performed above average in the state within the last seven years but we are well prepared to perform far better than him across the various sectors if elected. “Well thought out development – driven blueprint is already with us to get Ogun State completely transformed “, he said. Kashamu promised PDP members and his numerous supporters and sympathisers across the country that PDP problem in Ogun State will be resolved soonest and his campaign train will hit the road in few days time. But the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has insisted that Ladi Adebutu is its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Ogun state. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement said this declaration “puts to rest all controversies, uncertainties and misgivings regarding the authentic governorship candidate of the PDP in Ogun state. “Ladi Adebutu was duly elected as the PDP candidate in the primary conducted by the National Working Committee (NWC), the only body empowered to conduct such primaries, and his name and particulars have since been duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by the leadership of the party. “All PDP members, supporters and the general public should, by this declaration, completely disregard, as an impostor, any other person parading himself as the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun state, as only Ladi Adebutu is our flag bearer and Governorship candidate in Ogun State”. He said Ladi Adebutu, has already commenced his campaigns and is widely accepted by the people of Ogun state, who have expressed their readiness to freely give him the mantle of leadership at the 2019 election. The PDP therefore cautioned “all fifth columnists trying to cause confusion within its fold in Ogun state, particularly those already identified as working for the APC, to desist from such acts in the general interest”. Tunde Opalana, Abuja