Posted by From JACOB EDI, Abuja, EMMANUEL ADEYEMI, Lokoja on
After about two hours of meeting with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, was announced as the party's sole candidate for the fresh governorship elections in the state. This followed earlier rumour that the party may drop him as its candidate in the election.
After about two hours of meeting with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, was announced as the party's sole candidate for the fresh governorship elections in the state. This followed earlier rumour that the party may drop him as its candidate in the election.
The Court of Appeal had, two weeks ago, nullified the 2007 governorship polls and ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conduct fresh elections in 90 days.
Although Tuesday's meeting held behind closed-doors, it was learnt that the PDP had summoned the former governor to brief it on his state of preparedness for the election, why he should continue to be the party's candidate, as well as answer questions on the alleged certificate forgery leveled against him before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Idris told journalists, after the meeting, that the parley was 'beautiful," adding that he was ready for the election 'even if it is today."
'It was a beautiful meeting. We have come to discuss about the by-election coming soon in Kogi State, which, of course, I'm the sole candidate. The party has given me the go-ahead. I have been nominated by the party in the state. I am prepared for the election, even if it's today," Idris told newsmen after the meeting.
Idris, who arrived the PDP secretariat in a black Mercedes S-Class at about 12.45pm, walked straight to the chairman's office, where the meeting held.
He was accompanied by party big-wigs and elders of the state. Those in attendance include, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Chief John Odawn, state PDP chairman, Philip Salau, Idris' deputy, Chief Patrick Adaba, Hon. Ado Moses Okino, among others.
Meanwhile, it was jubilation galore among PDP supporters and top government functionaries on Tuesday in Lokoja the Kogi State capital as the new of Idris' endorsement filtered into town.
The state had been gripped by tension since early last week when the rumour had it that the outgoing National Chairman of the PDP, Dr Ahmadu Ali, had perfected plans to replace Idris with a relatively young and unknown member of the National Assembly, Hon. Attai Aidoko, who is representing Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omalla Federal Constituency.
The PDP stakeholders in the state had met last week in the Government House, Lokoja where they unanimously endorsed the candidature of Idris.
Hit by the rumours of his replacement, Idris was said to have contacted various top PDP notchers, among them former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to help talk to Ali to rescind his decision. He was said to have met Obasanjo at the Ota farm last Tuesday even when the opposition was peddling the rumour that he had been disqualified and arrested by the EFCC.
Following this development, several groups, including Okun Solidarity Movement and Igala Youth Movement, came out openly to condemn Ali's alleged plan. One such rally was put off on Tuesday, following Idris' plea that the youths should not take laws into their hands.