PDP 'LL ALWAYS WIN FREE, FAIR ELECTION IN EKITI – SEN. ARISE

Despite the nullification of the election of Segun Oni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor of Ekiti state, PDP senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Ayo Arise, told Daily Sun that the party will always win in any free and fair election in the state: 'For us, we will continue to be good ambassadors of our people and we are waiting earnestly for the next election. I believe that in any free and fair election in Ekiti, the PDP will always win.

'I have spoken before this judgment and I said that because of the leakage prior to the delivery of that judgment, that the judgment is suspect. I stated that and it was reported in many newspapers, prior to that judgment. But having had the judgment, the governor has accepted, I have accepted and I have congratulated the new governor.

That does not mean that the system should not be corrected and we are looking at how best to achieve that.' He spoke more. Excerpts:

What is your take on the political situation in the country?

I have always said that we are growing and we are learning through experience and I believe Nigeria is progressing. We are moving forward and I hope that the coming election would further stabilize the political terrain, having had the experience of changing power from one government to another, most importantly in this political dispensation.

Constitution amendment with particular reference to the composition of delegates to national conventions/primaries

I am of the opinion that parties should have a say in who represents them and in who they put forward. The final decision for selecting a candidate for a political party should rest within the party. I believe that whatever system they want to adopt to come up with their candidates, as long as it is a democratic process and as long as it complies with the constitution of the party, then it should be adopted.

Security situation in the country
It is alarming. There is room for us to step up our security, especially in areas that target and threaten our livelihood and our democracy. We should pay more attention to the security arm of government. Put emphasis on preventive measures on the ability of, maybe, the State Security Service (SSS), to be able to foil any attempt before they happen. That will depend more on the intelligence network.

They are trying for now and I hope that they will continue to do their best. To ensure that lives and properties of Nigerians are secured and that we feel comfortable living in our homes and at the same time, moving on the streets without fear of any bomb attack or anything of that nature. Right now, I think we are challenged.

You are a senator from Ekiti state. What is your reaction to the judgment that nullified the election of Segun Oni as governor?

I have spoken before this judgment and I said that because of the leakage prior to the delivery of that judgment, that the judgment is suspect. I stated that and it was reported in many newspapers, prior to that judgment. But having had the judgment, the governor has accepted, I have accepted and I have congratulated the new governor but that does not mean that the system should not be corrected.

The way forward
We will continue to be good ambassadors of our people. We are waiting earnestly for the next election. I believe that in any free and fair election in Ekiti State, the PDP will always win.