2007, PDP PRIMARIES: MATTERS ARISING

I have been following the primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) for days now. The different political events playing out across the country as 2007 draws nearer is really a cause for concern. A situation where incumbent governors ensure that their anointed candidates, whether cousins or in-laws, and in many cases, loyal aides succeed them at all cost, not minding the choices of the electorates, is nothing but a far cry from popular participation in the choice of leaders elected into public offices.

Should one man's choice be forced down the throat of the majority as the choice of the people? You answer. But this serve-serving agendas of the governors will only promote anger which could lead to revolt and violence among candidates and their supporters especially within the party. It also has negative consequences on the larger polity.

But the gubernatorial primaries in Lagos was indeed, historic with the emergence of Mrs. Hilda Funso Williams as the winner of the run-off election conducted to elect the PDP flagbearer for the state. However, it would have been better if the electoral panel had at least conceded to the request of the other aspirant, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro that the votes should be counted a second time. If the party men had acceeded to the request, Obanikoro and his supporters would have been convinced beyond doubt that they lost the election while Mrs. Funso Williams is the preferred choice of the Lagos PDP for Governor come 2007.

The presidential screening commiitee of the PDP also completed its work on Wednesday with media reports that about 19 aspirants were disqualified while candidates like Govs Umar Yar'Adua of Katsina state and Donald Duke of Cross River state crossed the hurdles.

While PDP may not be one's best party, if Yar'Adua or Duke emerges the PDP flagbearer, the party may likely get my vote. Why? Although it is widely believed that Yar'Adua is President Obasanjo's candidate, but the governor, according to media reports, has done well in his state and is one governor who has consistently declared his assets publicly while also not having any case to answer with the EFCC.Same also applies for Duke, who, apart from having no corruption case on his neck, has turned Cross River to one of the best states in the nation, Nigeria's first tourism destination to the World-Obudu Cattle Ranch- not forgetting his outstanding TINAPA Project.

Of Course, Saturday is just two days away when delegates from across the 36 states of the country would converge at the Eagles Square Abuja for the PDP Presidential Primaries. It is oly then that we would all know who emerges the PDP candidate.

Personally, I think Yar'Adua is likely to get it eventhough I'll be more pleased if Duke clinches it. Whichever way it goes, let's hope the best candidate that truly desires to move this country forward in all areas emerges to slug it out at the polls with the flagbearers of other parites next April.