Abati picked as Deputy Governorship candidate of Kashamu-led PDP group in Ogun

*Abati confirms development

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Senator Buruji Kashamu has announced the name of Special Adviser to the President, during the administration of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati, as the running mate of Ogun State PDP’s Governorship Candidate, Mr. Leke Shittu, ahead of 2019 elections.

The faction, which was few days ago recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also named former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel as the candidate for Ogun East Senatorial.

It would be recalled that  the  INEC had notified the  the PDP of its decision to accept the candidates’ list of the PDP faction backed by  Kashamu.

The INEC had in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, notified the party of the acceptance of the list submitted by Bayo Dayo’s faction following the Federal High Court judgments, directing the umpire to accept the candidates as against that of Sikirullahi Ogundele-led faction which is recognised by the PDD national leadership.

In a statement personally signed by him, copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Wednesday by his media aide Austin Oniyokor, Kashamu faulted the  statement credited to the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Kola Ologbondiyan that INEC acted contravening the rule that only the chairman can submit candidates list to INEC.

The statement read, “The candidates list of the Kashamu backed Bayo Dayo exco of Ogun PDP has been received and fully acknowledged by INEC for the 2019 elections. Prince Leke Shitu and Dr Rueben Abati were duly acknowledged as the Ogun PDP Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates respectively (acknowledgement receipts attached). Former Ogun state Governor, HE Otunba Gbenga Daniel is for the Senate, Ogun East and all other candidates for the Senatorial, Federal house of Representatives and the State House of Assembly were equally accepted and duly acknowledged.

“Any rumours being peddled around by our National Chairman and National Publicity Secretary through a purported press release should be disregarded as the duo are deliberately acting unlawfully and beyond their powers to which they’ve refused wise counsel to tow the path of rule of law. The guarantee of our democracy under established regulations and rule of law is that no party official, no matter how highly placed could use the office for selfish preservation/promotion  of his own interests and legacy at the detriment of the interests and legacy of other party members. This resolve to act with unchecked impunity shall be fully resisted in a fight to finish battle to strengthen our party’s internal democracy.

“Ignorantly, the National Chairman is unaware that where there is dispute resulting into a judicial resolution as in Ogun state matter, the State Chairman and Secretary could sign in place of National Chairman and Secretary when backed by validly subsisting court judgments. Whatever makes our National Chairman to be this resolute at challenging the constituted electoral regulatory body, INEC and also dwelling in nauseating impunity against Nigerian court judgments out of unexplainable desperation to install Ladi Adebutu as PDP Ogun governorship candidate should as well have forced him to create his own INEC and conduct elections inside his office. The PDP as a Nigerian creation by law is for all Nigerians by established regulations and National statue; nobody can as such intimidate us in our democracy.

“All the state elders, leaders and party faithfuls are again enjoined to continue and remain focused on the ongoing aggressive mobilisation and reconciliation efforts for our party, PDP to come out victorious in the forthcoming elections. I’m emboldened by the power and grace of almighty Allah and shall never succumb to injustice. God bless you”, he said.

When contacted last night, Abati confirmed  his choice as the running mate in the PDP. He said, “Yes, i am aware. i can confirm . It is true”.

However, attempt to reach the former governor  for his comment was unsuccessful as he could not be reached.