I'LL CONGRATULATE AUDU, IF I LOSE -WADA

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada, has declared that today's election is a mission to improve on the development of the state rather than a do-or-die affair.

Speaking with Saturday Sun in Lokoja, Wada disclosed that he would be willing to congratulate his main rival and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, if the latter wins in a free and fair election. He also cautioned his opponents to conduct themselves in a decent manner to ensure violence-free exercise.

The PDP candidate noted that Audu has been a long time friend, adding that he would not like politics to cause disaffection between them. He, however, admitted that they have not been exchanging phone calls of recent.

Wada said: 'No, he hasn't called me and I haven't found the time to call him. I don't see what there is to call or discuss; he is my friend; we have been friends for a long time. But you know the way some people play politics in Nigeria. I don't have any reason to call him now, maybe after the election.

'If he wins, I will praise him, if it's a free and fair election. Of course, I will congratulate him and hope that when I win, he can congratulate me.'

The PDP governorship candidate also expressed satisfaction in the preparation of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) for today's exercise.

'I am quite satisfied with INEC preparedness. I don't know about logistic, in terms of distribution. I haven't seen their materials, but I believe with the steps they have taken so far, they have followed their own programme, dedicatedly and I am fully satisfied that we will have a successful election.'

Wada also said that in spite of the rigours of the campaigns across the state, he has not reneged on his daily fitness exercise.

'Even after the campaigns I go out to play lawn tennis, every morning: 7am to 8am. That's how I keep fit.'