Posted by From EMMANUEL ADEYEMI Lokoja on
Plot to change the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the March 29 by- election has thickened even as the flag-off campaigns kick-started at the Lokoja Township Stadium at the weekend.
Plot to change the embattled former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as the governorship candidate of the PDP in the March 29 by- election has thickened even as the flag-off campaigns kick-started at the Lokoja Township Stadium at the weekend.
The plot Daily Sun gathered was hatched by Some top shots of the national leadership of the party led by the immediate past national chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali.
One of the ploys devised to finally deal with Idris was to reopen some allegations bordering on the geniuness of his educational qualification and anti -party activities.
The source revealed that plans have been concluded to summon the former governor to face a disciplinary committee of the party who will in turn officially inform him of the party's decision not to field him for the governorship race.
Already, one Attai Aidoko a legislator representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala federal constituency has been tipped to replace Idris.
Idris is said to be thoroughly rattled by this development even as sources revealed that the embattled ex-governor was last Tuesday in Ota Farm to meet with the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to help wade into the issue by pleading with Ali to rescind his decision to present another candidate.
During the Ota visit, it was rumoured in Kogi that he had been arrested by the EFCC on allegation of looting the state treasury while he was governor. Idris had to appear on the NTA network to dispel the rumour after which he had to rush to the state the following day to address his supporters.
An emergency meeting of the stakeholders of the party was quickly called at the Government House Lokoja Friday, which discussed the development extensively and thereafter resolved to re-endorse Idris.
At the flag-off rally which was almost postponed, due to this development, the state party chairman, Chief John Oda had to go spiritual busting into biblical choruses calling on God to scatter Idris' enemies.
Hon Dino Melaiye who spoke on behalf of the western senatorial district lashed out at the oppositions even within the PDP and said some of them were secretly working to ensure the ANPP candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu emerges as the governor. Moses Ado Okino and Senator Nicholas Ugbane spoke on behalf of the central and eastern senatorial districts respectively.
Meanwhile, the Okun Solidarity Movement has said the Okun Yoruba has vehemently opposed the replacement of Idris' candidature with any Igalaman, saying it was a ploy to ensure that other tribes in the state were not allowed to taste the governorship seat.
Addressing newsmen, the coordinator of the movement, Alhaji Shuiabu Ipinmisho said it will be foolhardy of anybody to think that Okun Yoruba would continue to be subservient to any tribe in the state, saying the Okuns were only waiting for Idris to complete his second term before Okuns clinch to power. He added that the movement was ready to work relentlessly and resolutely to ensure that an Okun man becomes governor in the next dispensation.