Kwara PDP adopts zoning,fixed tenure principles
Ahead of the nation-wide primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Kwara State chapter of the party has unanimously adopted the principles of zoning and fixed tenure for the next political dispensation in the state to promote a sense of belonging.
Under the unanimous arrangement, the governorship slot would now be rotated among the three senatorial districts for a fixed term of four years, starting with Kwara South Senatorial District for the next political dispensation.
This decision was arrived at by the party during an emergency meeting of all PDP aspirants in the state and other stakeholders of the party with the state Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki in Ilorin. Going by the principle of zoning as adopted by the party, all governorship aspirants from the Kwara Central Senatorial District have since withdrawn from yesterday's primaries with immediate effect and pledged their loyalty to the party as well.
Among the aspirants that withdrew ahead of the party's primaries were Professor Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem, Alhaji Abdul-Rasaq Atunwa and Alhaji Folorunsho Ayinla, all from Kwara Central Senatorial District.
Speaking at the meeting, the state Governor and leader of the party, Dr Bukola Saraki said the decision on zoning and tenure was arrived at in order to ensure a good sense of belonging for all and allow the party remain united.
His words : 'I believe that as a party, we must take certain position in order to ensure a sense of belonging and also fairness, equity and everlasting unity among us all.'
According to him, to ensure that the party remained united, Kwara Central, having produced governor for 12 years, it was only logical to leave the slot for both Kwara North and South in the spirit of fair play, justice and equity.
The decision, the governor further disclosed, would go a long way to allay the fears of dominance by the other two districts, pointing out that it would help to subdue the unwholesome acrimonious politicking.
Dr. Saraki told the party leaders and stakeholders that they had the responsibility to provide the pathway for strengthening the party and ensure that we all move forward to achieve a common goal.
He enjoined party members to work hard to ensure the emergence of all the party's aspirants for the National Assembly election, noting that a vote for them was a vote for the party. Responding, other aspirants from the North and South Senatorial districts all aligned with the party's decision and pledged to support whoever among them emerged as the party's flag bearer at the end of the primary election.